Gov. Yusuf mourns former finance minister Abubakar Alhaji
KANO State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Sokoto State and the nation.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf extended his sympathies to the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, as well as the government and people of Sokoto State.
According to the statement, the late statesman, who also held the traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, died on Thursday at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
Governor Yusuf described the deceased as an accomplished public servant, seasoned economist, distinguished diplomat and patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s economic management, diplomacy and public administration left a lasting legacy.
He noted that Alhaji devoted his life to the service of Nigeria and the development of Sokoto State, earning widespread respect for his integrity, wisdom and unwavering commitment to national progress.
The governor said the death of the former minister and diplomat was a great loss not only to Sokoto State but also to Nigeria, given his immense contributions to public service, economic development, diplomacy and nation-building over several decades.
Governor Yusuf prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Sardaunan Sokoto, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, the government and people of Sokoto State, and the entire nation the strength to bear the loss.