The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has described the death of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, as the end of an era, saying Nigeria has lost one of its finest public servants and most respected statesmen.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Forum said the late elder statesman devoted his life to nation-building, exemplary leadership and selfless public service.
The senators said they received news of his passing with profound sadness, noting that although his death was a painful loss, they remained fully resigned to the will of Almighty Allah.
According to the Forum, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji’s remarkable career spanned decades of distinguished service in both the civil service and government, where he earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism and uncommon dedication.
The statement recalled that he served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996.
It added that before his political appointments, he had risen through the ranks of the federal civil service to become a Permanent Secretary, serving in key ministries including Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.
The Forum further noted that as Sardaunan Sokoto, a title he held from 1990 after succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the revered northern leader remained a symbol of wisdom, unity and service, strengthening the bond between government, the traditional institution and the people.
“His life was defined by patriotism and dedication to community service. He will be remembered as a bridge-builder, an accomplished administrator and a nationalist whose contributions to Nigeria’s development will remain indelible,” the statement said.
The Northern Senators Forum prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family, the Sokoto Caliphate, the government and people of Sokoto State, and all Nigerians over the loss of an iconic national figure.