The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, on Saturday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Kwara State on a condolence visit following the deaths of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, and the Chief Imam of Kaiama, Alhaji Umar Sabi Mohammed.
The delegation was received by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin before proceeding to the Emir’s Palace and the residence of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin.
Members of the delegation included Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
Also present were former Governors Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Senator Adamu Aleiro of Kebbi State, as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the government and people of Kwara State. Speaking on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Barau described the deaths of the two clerics as a profound loss to the nation, noting their lifelong commitment to faith, peace, and community service.
“This is a delegation of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, sent to convey his condolences over the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, who died on January 19,” Barau said.
He described the late Sheikh as a truthful and upright cleric who dedicated his life to the service of Allah and humanity, adding that he was a respected Islamic scholar known for promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence.
“May Allah SWT grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss,” he prayed.
Governor AbdulRazaq, in his response, thanked President Tinubu and members of the delegation for the visit, describing it as a mark of honour and respect for the late religious leaders and the people of Kwara State.
The guardian
