Gov Yahaya, mammoth crowd attend funeral prayers of Gombe Senior District Head
Ben Ngwakwe
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, on Wednesday joined thousands of sympathisers to perform the funeral prayer of the late Yariman Gombe and Senior District Head of Gombe, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, who passed on Tuesday after a brief illness.
The funeral prayer, led by the Grand Khadi, Hon. Abdullahi Usman, held at the Palace of the Emir of Gombe with Government functionaries, national and state lawmakers, traditional rulers and multitude of mourners also in attendance.
Yahaya who had to cancel some scheduled official engagements in Abuja to attend the funeral prayer in honour of the late Yariman Gombe, also received commiserations from royal fathers, community leaders, government officials, associates and other sympathisers.
While conveying his condolences to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III and the entire Bubayero royal family members, the Governor noted that the late traditional leader lived a life of selfless service, and offered counsel and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity, growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
He said, “today, a giant tree has fallen in Gombe State. We have lost a rare gem, a humble and dedicated leader who was highly cherished by the entire people of the State.”
The Governor had, while reacting to the demise of the traditional leader in a press statement, described the loss as a personal one in view of his age-long relationship with the deceased.
He said, ” this is a personal loss to me. Yarima was a father and worthy leader who was ever-supportive, and who spared nothing to ensure unity, peace and harmony among the people.”
The Governor also described the deceased as an iconic figure and man of great wisdom, who led with dignity and respect.
He said, ” the late Yarima was a highly respected leader, who was a symbol of inspiration to the people, and who left behind a huge vacuum and indelible footprints. We will surely miss his fatherly guidance and counsel.
“During this difficult time, it is important to remember the positive impact that he had on the community and the nation, and to honor his memory by upholding his legacy of leadership and selfless service.”
