SGF Leads Delegation To Console Yari Over Aunt’s Death

The secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has led a high-powered federal government delegation to Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, to commiserate with the director-general of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, over the death of his maternal aunt, Hajiya Rukiya Jibril.

Akume, who conveyed the condolences and solidarity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to Senator Yari and his family, said the delegation was in Talata Mafara to identify with them at a moment of profound grief and pray for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

Hajiya Rukiya, the immediate younger sister of Senator Yari’s mother, played a significant role in his upbringing during his formative years and remained a cherished maternal figure whose love, care and guidance left an enduring impact on him.

Speaking during the condolence visit, the SGF, in a statement by his spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, reflected on the inevitability of death, describing it as a transition and return to Allah in accordance with divine will and wisdom. He urged Senator Yari and members of the bereaved family to draw strength from their faith and take consolation in the life lived by the deceased.

Senator Akume prayed Allah to forgive the shortcomings of Hajiya Rukiya, accept her good deeds, grant her infinite mercy and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus.

He assured Senator Yari that the family was not alone in its grief, noting that the loss was shared by the Federal Government, members of the Presidential Campaign Council and the deceased’s numerous friends, associates and political stakeholders.

The SGF described the Presidential Campaign Council as a large political and social family whose members remained united in moments of joy and grief. He likened the Yari family to a remarkable tree planted by their late mother, whose fruits continue to demonstrate confidence, brotherhood, unity and togetherness.

The Federal Government delegation included Governor Umar Bago of Niger State; National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Senator Rochas Okorocha; Senator Adamu Aleiru; Hon. James Abiodun Faleke; former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Annet; Senator Kawu Sumaila; and Senator Nasiru Sani Zango Daura, among other dignitaries.

The condolence gathering also attracted political leaders from across party lines, including a delegation led by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside Senator Abdul Ningi. Senator Tony Nwoye of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State also paid their respects to the family.

The SGF said the presence of leaders from different political parties demonstrated the enduring values of compassion, empathy and communal solidarity among Nigerians, stressing that moments of bereavement transcend political affiliations and official responsibilities.

Responding, Senator Yari expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the gesture of compassion and solidarity extended to him and his family, describing the Federal Government delegation’s visit as a source of comfort, encouragement and strength during their period of mourning.

He also thanked Senator Akume and the members of the delegation for travelling to Talata Mafara to honour the deceased and stand in solidarity with the family, and prayed that Allah continues to guide and protect President Tinubu, the SGF, the members of the delegation, and the Federal Government.

Senator Yari appealed to Nigerians to remember his late maternal aunt in their prayers and ask Allah to grant her forgiveness, mercy and peaceful repose.