By Callistus Offor (ABUJA)
President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the rest of Nigerians, particularly the people of Taraba State in mourning the death of the former Women Affairs’ Minister, Hajiya Aisha Jummai Alhassan, saying her death has left a huge vaccum in Nigeria’s politics.
The president also sent a delegation headed by The Minister of State, Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu, which paid a condolence visit to the bereaved father, Alh Abubakar Ibrahim OON, Sarkin Ayyukan Muri, the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Tafida and the Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku.
This is according to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistance to the President on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
In the course of the visit, the president described the late Alhasan, who is popularly called “Mama Taraba”, as a great leader with an indomitable spirit with people, especially the womenfolk at her heart.
“The late Aisha Alhassan was strong, bold and people-oriented,” said the President.
While noting that the Nation has lost a great woman leader, President Buhari prayed to Allah to repose her soul.
A brother of the deceased and former Senator, Abdulaziz Ibrahim who spoke on behalf of the family thanked the President for making their sister a minister and assured that they will continue to be with him.
On his part, The Emir described death as inevitable. He prayed for the deceased and thanked the President for his support to the people of the state. He urged him to remain calm and steadfast and act decisively to deal with the enemies of the state who he blamed for the security challenges facing the nation.
Governor Ishaku described the late Minister as one of the closest persons to him: “Once she is committed to something, she remains consistent. She was a great mobilizer. She served well as minister and did not speak lies.”
The Governor expressed the appreciation of his administration to the President for the confidence he has in him. “We appreciate Mr. President. He cares about us,” said the Governor and expressed his happiness that he did not disappoint the President by bringing back peace to the Mambilla plateau. “Mambilla is peaceful today,” he said, hoping that the solidarity and friendship between the state and the centre will continue.
Other members of the delegation were Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, Minister of State, Science and Technology and the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.