The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has led a high powered Federal Government delegation to Talata Mafara in Zamfara State to commiserate with the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Dr. Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, over the death of his maternal aunt, Hajiya Rukiya Jibril, immediate younger sister to his mother.
The visit was a profound expression of solidarity, compassion and support to Senator Yari and his family at a moment of deep personal grief. Beyond the official nature of the delegation, the visit carried a deeply personal significance, given the special place the deceased occupied in Senator Yari’s life.
Hajiya Rukiya Jibril was not merely a maternal aunt to Senator Yari. She played a significant role in his upbringing during his formative years and was part of the maternal support system that shaped his early life. Her passing was therefore a deeply felt family loss and the departure of a cherished maternal figure whose love, care, guidance and affection left an enduring mark on him.
The Federal Government delegation comprised Governor Umar Bago of Niger State; Senator Ajibola Bashiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress; Senator Rochas Okorocha; Senator Adamu Aleiru; Hon. James Abiodun Faleke; Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Rev. Jolly Nyame; the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Annet; Senator Kawu Sumaila; Senator Nasiru Sani Zango Daura; among other dignitaries.
The condolence visit also attracted prominent political figures from across party lines, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the respect enjoyed by Senator Yari and his family across Nigeria’s political landscape.
A delegation led by His Excellency, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was present and included Senator Abdul Ningi of the same party. Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, also attended the condolence gathering, while the governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, in Bauchi State, equally paid his respects to the bereaved family.
On arrival in Talata Mafara, the delegation conveyed the condolences of the Federal Government to Senator Yari and the entire bereaved family, offering prayers and words of comfort at a time of profound sorrow.
Speaking during the visit, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation reflected on the inevitability of death and its universal nature, reminding the gathering that death is an experience that no human being can escape.
Senator Akume described death as a transition and a return to Allah, taking place according to divine will and wisdom. He encouraged the bereaved family to draw strength from their faith and the knowledge that the deceased had completed her earthly journey and returned to her Creator.
He prayed for the forgiveness of her sins, the acceptance of her good deeds and the granting of Allah’s infinite mercy upon her soul. He also expressed hope that Allah would grant her a place among the righteous and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus.
The SGF further assured Senator Yari and members of his family that they were not alone in their moment of grief. He conveyed the solidarity of the Federal Government, the Presidential Campaign Council and the many friends, associates and political stakeholders who share in the family’s sorrow.
He described the PCC as a very large political and social family, stressing that the loss had touched many people beyond the immediate family.
In a poignant reflection on the family, Senator Akume likened the Yari family to a remarkable tree planted by their late mother, whose fruits continue to radiate confidence, brotherhood, unity and togethernes.
The visit therefore went beyond the traditional expression of condolences. It became a demonstration of the enduring Nigerian values of compassion, empathy, family and communal solidarity. The presence of political leaders from different parties also demonstrated that, in moments of bereavement, the bonds of humanity can transcend political affiliations and official responsibilities.
In responding to the delegation, Senator Yari expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the gesture of compassion and solidarity extended to him and his family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and all members of the delegation for making the journey to Talata Mafara to personally honour the deceased and stand with the family during their period of mourning.
Senator Yari described the visit as a great source of comfort, encouragement and strength to him and the entire family. He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings upon the SGF, the members of the delegation, President Tinubu and the Federal Government.
He also appealed to Nigerians to remember his late maternal aunt in their prayers and to pray for Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and peaceful repose for her soul.
The condolence visit to Talata Mafara stands as a poignant reflection of the enduring Nigerian values of empathy, family, community and solidarity. At a time when political differences often dominate public discourse, the gathering offered a powerful reminder that personal grief transcends political boundaries and that compassion remains one of the strongest bonds that unite a people.
For Senator Yari and his family, the presence of the Federal Government delegation and political leaders from across the political divide offered not only condolences, but also reassurance that, in a moment of personal loss, family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nigerian community remain present in solidarity and prayer.
