From Paul Orude Bauchi
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and David Mark, were among a long list of dignitaries that paid glowing tributes to the late mother of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was buried in Ganuwari, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, yesterday.
In a personal condolence message signed and addressed to Dogara, Obasanjo said even though the matriarch lived up to 103 years, “the death of a mother is still a painful one.”
Obasanjo urged the former Speaker and the entire family to take solace in the long and fulfilled life she lived and the memory of the life of love and cared shared with her.
In the same vein, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim in condolence letter said the late Mama Saratu enjoyed life of longevity and fulfilled her destiny according to the purpose of God.
“Mama’s life was impactful as a community leader and a philanthropist who bequeathed to society as a gentle man in your own self, who as former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has touched many lives.”
Also, former Senate President David Mark in his condolence message, said, “losing a mother regardless of her longevity is one of life’s most profound losses, and I can only imagine the depth of sorrow you and your family must be experiencing,” adding, “Your mother’s legacy lives on through you and the values you uphold as a leader.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives Honourable Abass Tajudeen described Dogara’s mother as a remarkable woman, saying her memories would forever live on through the love and cherished moments she shared together with loved ones.
“On behalf of the members of the House of Representatives, please accept our condolences and the assurance of our highest regard,” Tajudeen said in the condolence letter addressed to Dogara.
In his own tribute, former colleague and Governor of Sokoto State, Honourable Aminu Tambuwaal, said the passage of a mother was always touching.
Tambuwaal, in his message sent to Dogara, said Mama Saratu lived a life of commitment and devotion to her immediate community and humanity in general
“She has contributed immensely to both community and national development in general. No wonder that God granted her longevity,” Tambuwaal said.
More tributes poured in from other dignitaries who attended the electrifying church service held at COCIN LCC, Gwaranga.
The burial was attended by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, former governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, Ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, former House Leader and current Senator Abdul Ningi, NNPP governorship candidate Senators Haliru Dauda Jika, Patrick Obahiagbon, Hamman Misau, Nazif Gamawa
Tributes came in from the deceased children, grandchildren, in-laws and family members who celebrated her generosity, devotion to God and commitment to humanity.
In an emotional tribute during the church service, Dogara described his mother as a woman who led an exemplary life.
His words: “Mama’s life modelled guts, gumption, grit, gravitas and groundedness. Mama was also relentless and as bold as a lion with a more compelling impactful presence. I am grateful beyond words to have fallen heir to your legacy of reckless boldness, which defined your walk with God and the multitudes you touched in special ways.”