Northern governors mourn ex-finance minister, Abubakar Alhaji

The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed profound grief over the death of former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, who passed away on Thursday in Abuja.

In a condolence message, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji as an accomplished public servant and respected elder statesman who made immense contributions to national development through decades of exemplary service.

He recalled that Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served with distinction as Minister of National Planning and later as Minister of Finance during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, where he played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.

Following his ministerial service, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1992, further serving the nation with honour and distinction.

The NNGF Chairman also paid tribute to the late diplomat’s rich heritage as a direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, noting that, beyond his distinguished career in public service, he remained a respected custodian of the values and traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Inuwa Yahaya said the death of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was a huge loss, not only to his family and the people of Sokoto State but also to Northern Nigeria and the nation, which benefited immensely from his vast experience, exemplary leadership and invaluable counsel.

On behalf of the governors of the 19 northern states, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the entire Sokoto Caliphate; the government and people of Sokoto State; and all Nigerians mourning the loss of the eminent elder statesman.

He prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) would forgive the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji and reward his lifetime of service with Aljannat Firdaus.

The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.