Sultan of Sokoto, ex-President Buhari, others mourn late mother of former Senate President
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), were among other eminent Nigerians who thronged the home of the Sarakis to register their heartfelt condolences over the demise of mother of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President of the Nigeria’s Eighth Senate, in Lagos, Wednesday June 20, 2024.
Others sighted also paying condolences at the residence included firmer Nigerian Presidential Candidate Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, and former Minister of Commerce, Investment and Industry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, among others.
Represented by the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Banbado II, the Sultan of Sokoto described the passing of the late octogenarian as a huge loss.
In an exclusive chat with The DEFENDER, Banbado II said, “My entourage and I paid a condolence visit to the former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his family on the demise of his mother and it was done on behalf of His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, who is deeply saddened by the passing away of Mama.
“He extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and relatives and pray for her departed soul to rest in peace. She will always remain in our hearts and memories,” the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos said.
Buhari mourns
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled the passing away of Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki, the mother of the president of the 8th National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki and his former minister of state, transportation and later solid minerals development, Senator Gbemisola Ruqayyat Saraki.
Buhari’s condolence was contained in a statement signed by Mallam Garba Shehu, his former Presidential Spokesman, dated June 19, 2024 and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday.
“I’am saddened by the demise of Chief Florence Saraki, a strong pillar of the Saraki dynasty and a mother firmly committed to family values and the welfare of the less privileged. The commitment and resilience she had shown as she supported the family following the death of the patriarch, Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki, and Waziri of Ilorin is praiseworthy.
“She was a hardworking and people-friendly community leader whose kindness and thoughtfulness towards others is an inspiration. She will sorely be missed by many in Kwara State and at the centre.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the former senate president and my noteworthy minister, for whom their mother meant so much. He May her soul rest in peace.”
