President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi on Thursday night.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets of Islam.
The president extolled Dr Abdulaziz’s efforts in countering the spread of violent extremism, especially in the early days of the Boko Haram conflict.
He said the Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric’s trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity.
While praying for the repose of Dr Abdulaziz’s soul, President Tinubu urged his family and followers to find solace in his good work.
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar expressed condolences over the death, describing the late cleric as a renowned Islamic scholar and a staunch advocate for peace.
Atiku yesterday took to his verified Facebook page to honour the cleric’s legacy, noting that Sheikh Idris’s final words emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence among Muslims.
“His profound knowledge and wisdom touched the lives of countless individuals,” Atiku wrote.
He praised the scholar’s unwavering commitment to the faith, his moral leadership and the positive impact he had on all who knew him.
“This is a tremendous loss not only to his family and community but to all of humanity,” he added.
Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed sadness over the death.
Inuwa, in a condolence message signed by his media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, described Idris as a respected cleric and preacher for his immense contributions to Islamic scholarship and nurturing a society rooted in faith and righteousness.
Inuwa who is also the chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, said the demise of the cleric was a huge loss not only to his family and the people of Bauchi State but also to the field of Islamic scholarship, especially for those who drew inspiration from his wisdom and guidance.
They all prayed that Allah (SWT) grants Sheikh Idris eternal rest and a place among the righteous in Jannah, while also asking for comfort and strength for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The Islamic cleric, who was the chief imam of Dutsen Tanshi Jummaat Mosque, passed away in Bauchi after returning from India for treatment.
Despite his long battle with illness, he remained dedicated to his scholarly work.
One of the scholar’s close disciples, Abdulhakeem Shaaban Baban Keke, confirmed the scholar’s death in an interview with LEADERSHIP on Thursday night. He stated that the cleric breathed his last in Bauchi, shortly after his return from medical treatment abroad.
