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

n n

By Folarin Kehinde

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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

n

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

n

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.

n

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

n

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.

n

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.

n n