From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Speaking at the Fidau (third day prayers) for the late former president at his Daura residence, yesterday, Shettima paid glowing tribute to Buhari, describing him as “one of the greatest sons of Africa who pursued justice, often misunderstood, but always with sincerity.

“Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilization is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that Muhammadu Buhari pursued, often misunderstood, but always with sincerity.”

The Vice President extended the Federal Government’s sympathy to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda and noted the deep sense of loss felt by President Bola Tinubu. “President Tinubu is personally pained by the loss of his friend, brother and political soulmate,” Shettima said, adding, “The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, will continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.”

Reflecting further, Shettima remarked: “When you are in power, your friends know you; when you are out of power, you know your friends. In death, Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, the greatest son of Africa. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings.”

Governor Dikko Radda, in his remarks, hailed Buhari’s honesty and selfless service to Nigeria, thanking Tinubu for compassion and respect for the people of Katsina and for sending a high-level delegation, including 25 ministers, to attend the prayers. “We, the people of Katsina State, don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The 25 ministers supported us at this trying moment,” he said.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also addressed mourners, calling for continued prayers for the late president and noting, “Indeed, former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria and the world.”

Numerous dignitaries attended the prayers, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo, state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, and religious leaders, underlining Buhari’s enduring legacy and broad national impact.

Also present were the Emirs of Katsina, Daura, Bade, Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and Amb. Adamu Daura.

The rest included former Governor Aminu Masari, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua and the former National Security Adviser to the President, Babagana Munguno. Others were former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, business magnet, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Buhari’s nephew, Alhaji Mamman Daura, former FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello and thousands of sympathisers from various walks of life.