By Muhammad B Muhammad
President Muhammadu Buhari was in Yola Friday, to commiserate with the families, people and government of Adamawa over the death of Ahmed Joda, Mahmud Tukur and Abdullahi Danburam.
The President was received at the Yola International Airport by the State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and deputy Governor Chief Crowther Seth among other top government officials.
Speaking at the Lamido Palace in Yola, President Buhari described late Ahmed Joda as his close ally since he was the Governor of the Northeastern states upto to the dead of the retired Super Permanent Secretary.
He added that throughout his stay with late Ahmed Joda whom he said assisted him in many capacities in the politics of the nation, the deceased has never shown his interest in any political appointment or material gains.
“Late Ahmed Joda has been very close to me since I was the Governor of the Northeastern states under Olusegun Obasanjo. I found him a trustworthy person in all capacities,” Buhari said.
President Buhari however said late Doctor Mahmud Tukur was also a friend of his family and has served Nigeria meriteriously under his regime as military President.
The President while revealing how he was proud with Adamawa people, said they have never disappointed him in all assignments he assigned them to and have assisted him in many leadership capacities.
He cited example with the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello whom he said is doing wonderfully well towards transforming the nation’s capital.
“I’m very concerned with Adamawa people because they have assisted me in all my political leadership. They are dedicated. That is why I give your son, FCT Minister and he didn’t disappoint us,” said the President.
President Buhari prayed to Allah to grant the souls of the elders statesmen eternal rest and their respective families, government and people of Adamawa the courage to bear irresponsible losses.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for coming to Yola to condole the people of Adamawa over lost of their illustrious sons despite his tight engagements.
The Governor described the losses of the nationalist Ahmed Joda and that of Dr Mahmud Tukur whom he described as bosom friends of the President as collateral to the people in the state.
Lamido Adamawa Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa commended President Buhari for the condolence visit and prayed to Allah to reward him and return him Abuja via Kano safely.
The Chief Imam of Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, Khadi Ahmadu Bobboi led special prayers to Allah to grant the souls of Ahmed Joda, Mahmud Tukur and Abdullahi Danburam Aljannah Firdaus.