The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has paid glowing tribute to the late Sardaunan Sokoto and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing his death as the close of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s public service history.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Forum said the elder statesman, who died in Abuja at the age of 87, left behind an enduring legacy of integrity, patriotism and exceptional service to Nigeria.
The statement, signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, said the late Sardaunan Sokoto distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished administrators, serving with honour in critical national assignments over several decades.
According to the Forum, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1996.
The senators also praised his illustrious civil service career, where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary and served in strategic ministries, including Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.
The Forum noted that beyond public office, the late statesman gave immense value to the traditional institution as Sardaunan Sokoto, a title he assumed in 1990 after succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello.
It said he used the revered position to promote unity, strengthen the relationship between government and the people, and uphold the values of honour, humility and selfless leadership.
“Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was a patriot, an accomplished administrator and a bridge-builder whose contributions to nation-building will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians,” the statement said.
The Forum prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family, the Sokoto Caliphate and the nation the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
If you’re looking for a stronger newspaper splash, a headline like “Nigeria Loses a Statesman as Northern Senators Hail Abubakar Alhaji’s Enduring Legacy” would make the story even more compelling.