VP Sambo commiserates with Sultan over brother’s demise

Office of the Vice President Report

Nigeria’s Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo on Tuesday April 8, 2014 paid a condolence visit to the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III over the death of his elder brother – the Ciroma of Sokoto, Muhammad Bello Mai-Wurno.

The Vice President, who commiserated with the Sultan on behalf of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as well as the Nigerian Government and people offered condolences to the late Ciroma’s family, the Sultanate Council and the government and people of Sokoto State.

“On behalf of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Government and the entire citizens of this country, I extend our sincere condolences over the loss of our brother, Ciroma Sokoto. We pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to bless those whom he left behind,” he called.

He described the late Ciroman as a highly respected personality, who had dedicated his entire life to the service of the people and prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late Ciroman Aljannah eternal rest and to his entire family, the Sultan and his council as well as the government and people of Sokoto the strength to bear the loss.

In his response, Sa’ad Abubakar III (Sultan) on behalf of the entire family and the citizens of Sokoto State thanked President Jonathan and the people of Nigeria for their condolences. He expressed deep appreciation for the visit and the kind words of the Vice President and called for continued peace, stability and progress in Nigeria. Prayers were also offered to the Almighty Allah for the repose of the soul of the departed and for continued peace and tranquility in Nigeria.

He noted that the late Ciroman Sokoto, Muhammad Bello Mai-Wurno, who is the son of the late Sultan Abubakar III and elder brother of the present Sultan died recently at the age of 72.

The Vice President was accompanied to the Palace of the Sultan by the Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako and dignitaries, including the Emir of Lafiya, Mustapha Agwai II; the Emir of Brinin Gwari, Zubairu Jibrin Maigwari and the Agwan Atyab, Harrison Bongon. Others were: Mohammed Magoro,  Sahabi Yau and Abubakar Bagudu (Senators)  as well as the Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki among other government functionaries.

Also present at the occasion were the former Nigerian President, Aliyu Shehu Shagari; State legislators, members of the State Executive Council and  members of the Sultanate Council as well as other notable personalities from the State.