Gbenga Hashim hails late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as rare religious leader

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has hailed the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi as a rare religious leader, defined not just by learning, but by deep moral conscience and national commitment.

He spoke during a condolence visit to the family of the late revered Islamic scholar who passed away on Thursday, November 27.

The former presidential candidate, who shares the same birthday, June 28, with the late cleric, spoke in Hausa, saying, “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi stood out in an era where religiosity is often divorced from godliness, noting that while many claim religious authority, a few truly fear God.

“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was not just a religious man; he was highly learned, informed and above all, a man who genuinely feared God.

“There are many religious people who do not fear God, but Sheikh Dahiru was different; he was a true man of God.”

Beyond his scholarly influence, Hashim emphasised the late cleric’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and peace, referencing him as a national figure whose impact transcended religion, ethnicity and region.

“Apart from being an Islamic scholar, he was deeply committed to the unity of Nigeria and worked tirelessly for the peace of the nation. That is why I regard him as my father.”

He reaffirmed his own lifelong commitment to the ideals that Sheikh Dahiru embodied, stressing that national unity and peace remain non-negotiable values in a deeply diverse country like Nigeria.

“I am also committed to the unity of Nigeria and to working for peace, irrespective of tribe, region or religion.”

While acknowledging the pain of the loss, he noted that Sheikh Dahiru’s legacy remains alive in the principles he lived for.

“Yes, he is no longer with us, but what he stood for, peace and unity, remains for every Nigerian to learn from.”

Dr. Hashim visited with a large delegation, which included Sheikh Haliru Abdulahi Maraya (Kaduna), Dr Ibrahim Umar (Kaduna), Mr Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni (FCT), Hajia Rabi Musa (Nassarawa), Mr Ezekiel Dinfa (Plateau) and coordinators of the Hashim Organisation in the three senatorial districts and 20 local government areas of Bauchi State.