Many Nigerians, including the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan, have paid tribute to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, nine years after his death.
Yar’Adua was born on August 16, 1951, and died May 5, 2010. He was the 13th leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He won the 2007 presidential election with 70 per cent of the votes (24.6 million votes) according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was sworn in on May 29, 2007.
In the early hours of Sunday, Jonathan, who was Yar’Adua’s vice president, took to Twitter to pay tribute to his late boss.
“On this day nine years ago I lost a friend, colleague, brother, and boss, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal and ethnic gains.
“Today, I remember and celebrate him for the works that he had done. Peace he lived for and homes of peace he built. Democracy he loved and democracy he nurtured. We will always remember you for your service. A servant leader truly you remain.”
“He used the opportunity he had in public service to build bridges of love, foster unity and give hope to Nigerians. President Yar’Adua was a man of integrity with a humble spirit who always took upon himself the burden of national reconciliation, peace-building, and democratic consolidation.”
Also, a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, in his condolence message said: “This day, 9 years ago, Nigeria lost a patriot and a compassionate leader in President Umaru Yar’Adua. May Allah SWT continue to shine His Noor on his face.”
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki also eulogised the late Yar’Adua.
“Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who passed on 9-years ago. His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him. Amin.
Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who passed on 9-years ago. His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him.
A senator, Shehu Sanni, said: “President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died on this day nine years ago. He was a honest man, a true democrat, respecter of the rule of law and a humble visionary. May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.”
A Twitter user, @JosephEkesco said: “President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died on this day nine years ago. He was a honest man, a true democrat, respecter of the rule of law and a humble visionary. May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.
