Photos: Obi, Amaechi, Tambuwal lead dignitaries to El-Rufai’s mother’s burial in Abuja

By Folarin Kehinde

Top political figures on Sunday thronged Abuja for the burial of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The late matriarch, who died on Friday, March 27, in Cairo, Egypt, after a brief illness, was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at the Gudu Cemetery.

Her remains were earlier flown into the Federal Capital Territory from Egypt, where she had reportedly been residing with her son prior to her death.

Among prominent Nigerians who attended the solemn ceremony were the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, alongside other political associates, government officials, traditional rulers and sympathisers.

The Janazah (funeral prayer) attracted a large gathering, reflecting the El-Rufai family’s wide political reach and influence across the country.

Mourners offered prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai is remembered as a devoted mother and a strong pillar of support to her family, whose legacy lives on through her children and those she impacted during her lifetime.

Her death comes at a difficult period for the family, as the former governor is currently facing legal challenges.

Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, had sent condolence messages to the family.

Also, prominent figures, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, paid condolence visits to El-Rufai at his Abuja residence.