SGF Leads FG Delegation to Mourn Yari’s Maternal Aunt

"The presence of political leaders from different parties demonstrated the enduring values of compassion, empathy and communal solidarity among Nigerians." George Akume 

.... "Stresses that moments of bereavement transcend political affiliations and official responsibilities."

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 Yari and his family, said the delegation was in Talata Mafara to identify with the bereaved family and offer prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

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

Speaking during the condolence visit, the SGF described death as an inevitable transition and return to Allah in accordance with divine will and wisdom.

He urged Yari and members of the family to draw strength from their faith and take consolation in the life lived by the deceased.

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

The SGF also assured the family that it was not alone in its grief, noting that the loss was shared by the Federal Government, members of the Presidential Campaign Council, as well as the deceased’s friends, associates and political stakeholders.

According to him, the Presidential Campaign Council had become a large political and social family whose members remained united in both moments of joy and grief.

Akume likened the Yari family to a remarkable tree planted by their late mother, saying its fruits continued to demonstrate confidence, brotherhood, unity and togetherness.

The Federal Government delegation included Niger State Governor Umar Bago; APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; former Imo State Governor, 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 Uzoka-Anite; Senator Kawu Sumaila; and Senator Nasiru Sani Zango Daura, among other dignitaries.

The condolence gathering also drew political leaders from across party lines, underscoring the communal solidarity surrounding the bereaved family.

Among them was a delegation led by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accompanied by Senator Abdul Ningi. Senator Tony Nwoye of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Bauchi State governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) also paid their respects.

Akume said the presence of political leaders from different parties demonstrated the enduring values of compassion, empathy and communal solidarity among Nigerians.

He stressed that moments of bereavement transcend political affiliations and official responsibilities.

Responding, Senator Yari expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the gesture of compassion and solidarity extended to him and his family.

He described the visit by the Federal Government delegation as a source of comfort, encouragement and strength to the family during its period of mourning.

Yari also thanked Akume and members of the delegation for travelling to Talata Mafara to honour the deceased and identify with the family.

He prayed Allah to continue to guide and protect President Tinubu, the SGF, members of the delegation and the Federal Government.

The former Zamfara State governor appealed to Nigerians to remember his late maternal aunt in their prayers and ask Allah to grant her forgiveness, mercy and peaceful repose.