President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commiserated with the government and people of Katsina State over the passing of two prominent figures in the state.
The deceased are Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, the District Head of Kurfi and first Executive Secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO).
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, said in a press release that the President extended his condolences through the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who visited the residences of the two deceased persons.
At the palace of the late Maradin Katsina, the Vice-President’s delegation was received by a former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Sama’ila Mamman Kurfi; NNDC Chairman and Ajiyan Katsina, Dr. Lamis Shehu Dikko, a former Minister of State for Education, Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, and family members.
Speaking during the visit, Shettima eulogised Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi as one of Nigeria’s distinguished elder statesmen, noting that his passing represents a significant loss not only to his immediate family but to the nation at large.
In a similar vein, at the residence of the late Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, the Vice-President was received by the eldest son of the deceased, Malam Ibrahim Zakari Ibrahim; a former Chairman of the National Intelligence Agency, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai, and a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sarika.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Shettima extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of the state, while praying for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for the families to bear their losses.
Addressing journalists after bidding farewell to the Vice President, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed gratitude to the President for the condolence visit.
He equally observed that the visit exemplified the concern of the Federal Government over the loss of the personalities.
The Vice President’s delegation included the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, a former Minister of the FCT, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, and other dignitaries.
In Katsina, prominent dignitaries who joined the condolence train included a former Governor of Katsina State, Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema; Senator Abu Ibrahim; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Jabiru Tsauri; Member representing Kurfi/Dutsinma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi; and the APC Deputy Chairman, Katsina State, Bala Musawa, among other state and party officials.