Yar’Adua: Shettima, Atiku, Obi, others attend funeral prayer in Katsina

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja and Agaju Madugba, Katsina

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Dikko Radda, were among personalities that attended the funeral prayer of the Hajiya Dada Habi Yar’Adua, in Katsina.

The mother of the late former president, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, passed away on Monday at 102 years.

The prayer was led by Sheikh Aminu Yammawa, at about 2:15 p.m. Earlier scheduled for 1:30 p.m., it had to be postponed due to heavy rainfall in the city.

The funeral prayer was held at the old Katsina Stadium located near the Yar’adua family.

Other dignitaries who were in Katsina for the prayer and condolence included the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, members of the National Assembly, both serving and retired, among others.

The Emirs of Katsina and Daura, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman and Alhaji Umar Farouk, respectively, were also present during the prayer. Shettima said he was in Katsina representing President Bola Tinubu at the funeral rite.

Speaking with newsmen before the prayer, Shettima prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive the late matriarch in the Yar’adua family and grant her Al-jannah Firdaus.

Her remains have been laid to rest at the famous Danmarna graveyard, Katsina, around 3p.m.

She was buried in a graveyard in a place where her husband, the late Musa Yar’adua, and her son Gen. Shehu Musa-Yar’adua and the former President, Umaru Musa-Yar’adua were buried.

Hajiya Dada died on Monday evening after a protracted illness at the age of 102, and left behind many grand and great children.

Abdulaziz Musa-Yar’adua, senator representing Katsina Central, is among the sons she left behind.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu; former president, Muhammadu Buhari; Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo and chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmad, have commiserated with the Yar’Adua family over the passing of their matriarch.

In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu, extolled her legacy of compassion, faith, honesty and good fellowship.

President Tinubu also extended his condolences to Senator Yar’Adua, the people of Katsina State and to the many lives the late matriarch touched.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and affirmed that the beloved and remarkable matriarch of the Yar’Adua family will always be remembered for the support, peace, joy, and comfort she offered to many.

Condoling the family on the demise of the matriarch of the Yar’Adua family, Buhari said the news of the passing of Dada was extremely sad.

She was a mother who cared for her family as she did to us, the friends of her children.

Her virtuous life was an inspiration to us and all who came close to her. Her righteousness and high values of life gave the country a set of successful and patriotic leaders. May Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus.”

In a statement he personally signed, Governor Ododo described the late matriarch as a woman of history and a reservoir of knowledge, saying goddesses are irreplaceable.

“It is with mixed feelings that I send my condolences to the Yar’Adua family and the entire people of Katsina State over the demise of Hajia Dada Yar’Adua, a woman of history who birthed great Nigerians who defended the nation and worked for her greatness, including the late former President Umar Musa Yar’Adua. She is a goddess that will be irreplaceable.

“The late Hajia Yar’Adua was an industrious woman, a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, a disciplinarian who moulded great Nigerians.

“Her demise has reminded us of the greatness she embodied, the principles she held dear and her life of love, tolerance and unmatched affection for all that came her way.

“On behalf of my family and the great people of Kogi State, I wish to express our condolences to the Yar’Adua family, the good people of Katsina State and Nigerians as a whole. Her demise is a national loss at a time when her guidance is greatly needed for our dear nation.”

Governor Ododo urged Nigerians to immortalise the late matriarch by upholding the belief in a united Nigeria which she believed and taught her children to uphold.

Reps member, Ahmad, described her as an accomplished and true matriarch who lived a faithful life in accordance with Islamic tenets.

“I am saddened by the passing of Hajiya Dada, the beloved mother of our dear respected political leader, mentor and father, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“I express my profound grief and condolences to the Yar’Adua family, the government and people of Katsina State over the loss of this true matriarch. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al-jannah Firdausi.”