By Musa Ubandawaki
SOKOTO: Nigeria has continued to mourn the passing of elder statesman, former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Abubakar Alhaji, as tributes pour in from political leaders, traditional institutions and close associates who described him as a patriotic public servant whose lifetime of integrity, humility and national service left an indelible mark on the country.
Among those who paid glowing tribute is veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yusuf Dingyadi, who described the late statesman as a trusted elder brother, mentor and compassionate leader who dedicated his life to humanity.
In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late Sardaunan Sokoto lived a fulfilled life defined by honesty, discipline and unwavering commitment to public service, adding that his death has created a significant vacuum in both the nation and the Sokoto Caliphate.
According to him, beyond his distinguished public service career, Abubakar Alhaji remained a humble, deeply religious and generous personality who consistently extended support to the less privileged while championing initiatives that promoted community development and national unity.
Dingyadi recalled that their friendship blossomed during their years in journalism through writing, publishing and active participation in the Association of Nigerian Authors, a relationship he said endured for decades.
He recounted how the late statesman once organised a reception at his residence to honour three journalists Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and himself an event he described as the foundation of a lifelong bond built on mutual respect and trust.
He also remembered another memorable occasion when Abubakar Alhaji hosted a delegation of journalists from the BBC during the turbaning of the late Muhammadu Maccido. According to Dingyadi, the gathering provided an opportunity for guests to benefit immensely from the late statesman’s vast knowledge and experience in governance and public affairs.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the deceased, Dingyadi said Abubakar Alhaji treated everyone with dignity and kindness, irrespective of social or political background, noting that he rejected propaganda, despised selfishness and remained steadfast in defending truth and justice throughout his life.
He further revealed that the late elder statesman once instructed his aides to grant him unrestricted access whenever he visited, describing the gesture as a testament to the depth of their relationship and the deceased’s openness to people from all walks of life.
Dingyadi added that the late Sardaunan affectionately addressed him as “Yusufu,” a name he said reflected the warmth, humility and fatherly disposition that endeared the respected administrator to countless Nigerians.
Abubakar Alhaji served Nigeria with distinction as Minister of National Planning before his appointment as Minister of Finance under the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida. Before joining the Federal Executive Council, he had built an outstanding career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in strategic ministries, including Finance, Trade and National Planning.
Widely acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s finest technocrats and accomplished economists, he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic policies and strengthening engagement with international financial institutions during a critical period in Nigeria’s economic history. In recognition of his immense contributions to national development and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto in 1990.
His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque, drew an array of eminent personalities from across the country, including Kashim Shettima, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki, serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s most respected public servants.
His passing marks the end of an era for Nigeria, but his enduring legacy of integrity, exemplary leadership, humility and unwavering commitment to national development will continue to inspire future generations.
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