President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Dasuki family, the government and people of Sokoto State on the death of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Buhari also commiserated with the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria over the demise of the remarkable traditional ruler.
The president noted that the deceased devoted his life and tenure of office to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.
President Buhari, therefore, joined them in mourning the passing of one of “Nigeria’s most powerful voices for peace and unity in diversity.”
He said the traditional ruler diligently kept faith with the virtues of the the late Ahmadu Bello whom he had served as a public servant.
According to the president, Dasuki will be long remembered for his role in the creation of the present local government system in the country.
“He will also be remembered for his role in modernising the traditional institution to bring it in tune with changing times.”
The president also paid tribute to his contributions to national peace and development, particularly his significant role in producing the report that gave birth to the current local government councils.
He prayed that almighty Allah would comfort the family of the deceased, grant the deceased eternal rest and reward his good virtues with Paradise.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal described the late Dasuki as a pioneer reformist who deployed his wide knowledge of Islam and vast experience as a technocrat to make profound impact on his family, community and the nation at large.
In a message of condolence issued in Sokoto by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said at every stage of his life, Sultan Dasuki gave his all to ensure communal harmony and educational development of the citizenry.
“The history of local government reform in Nigeria will not be complete without the mention of the important role Sultan Dasuki and his colleagues played in giving the country the present structure we are enjoying at the third tier of government.
“For the eight years Dasuki spent on the throne as sultan of Sokoto, he gave priority attention to the educational development of our people by promoting adult and women literacy in all parts of Sokoto. He equally paid attention to the revitalization of religious education especially among imams of various mosques in the caliphate.
“He dedicated time, energy and resources in promoting religious harmony especially between Muslims in the north and south west of the country. So also are his efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence between and among various religious groups within the country and beyond.
“In addition, he will be remembered for formulating workable framework for the prevention and management of inter-communal clashes in Nigeria. His untiring effort in ending the Tiv, Jukun and Fulani skirmish in Taraba State particularly stands out.
“As a person who rose to the pinnacle of civil service and retired as a Federal Permanent Secretary, Sultan Dasuki dedicated his later years to mentoring young Nigerians on aspect of leadership, public administration and community service. He became a repository of knowledge and was always willing to share his experience with whoever sought it.
“He will be greatly missed,” Tambuwal added.
While praying to Almighty Allah to grant Sultan Dasuki jannatul-firdaus, Tambuwal said the people and government of Sokoto will continue to cherish the deceased’s contributions to the development of the Caliphate and the state at large.
The governor equally sent his commiserations to Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and late Sultan Dasuki’s family over the painful loss.
