From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Tuesday led a powerful Senate delegation to condole with the family of the late prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
The visit followed a special resolution moved by Senator Shehu Buba earlier on the floor of the Senate to honour the late cleric’s lifetime achievements and immense contributions to Islam, peace and national unity.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, led a separate delegation of House members to the condolence visit held at the late’s Mosque in the Makera area of Bauchi. The entourage was received by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Auwal Jatau.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Barau described Sheikh Dahiru’s passing as “A monumental loss to Nigeria, Africa and the world,” noting that the scholar’s teachings and influence transcended continents.
He revealed that at Tuesday’s plenary, senators, both Muslims and Christians, unanimously expressed deep sorrow over the cleric’s death.
“We are here on behalf of the Senate to convey our condolences to the government and people of Bauchi State, to the family of Sheikh Dahiru, and to the entire Muslim community,” Barau said.
He urged the family to uphold the virtues and legacy of the late scholar and prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness upon him.
The Senate team included Senator Sani Musa, Chairman Senate Committee on Finance; Senator Muttati Dan Dutse, Chairman Senate Committee on Higher Education (Universities and Polytechnics); Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Senator representing Bauchi South and Chairman Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry; Senator Abdul’aziz Yar’adua, Chairman Senate Committee on Army; and oil magnate Jack Rich, also joined Senate delegation.
A vote of thanks was delivered by one of the sons of Dr. Bashir Dahiru Bauchi on behalf of the family.
For his deligaton, Speaker Abbas said the delegation represented all 360 members of the House of Representatives and emphasised that Sheikh Dahiru’s passing was not just a loss to Bauchi or Nigeria, but a global loss.
“The value, influence and international stature of Malam Dahiru extended far beyond Nigeria and Africa. Scholars around the world recognise the exemplary life he lived in service to Islam,” he said.
He extended condolences to the Bauchi State Government, the Emir of Bauchi, the family and the entire community.
The Speaker’s entourage included prominent lawmakers such as Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Chief Whip of the House; Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations; Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream); Aliyu Sani Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader; Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Chairman, House Committee on Ports and Harbours and members of the Bauchi caucus including Bappa Aliyu Misau and Ali Garu, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, one of the sons of the late Alhaji Surumbai Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi expressed profound gratitude to the Speaker and his delegation.
Our correspondent reports that condolence visits continue to pour into Bauchi following the passing of the revered cleric last Thursday, with delegations arriving from across Nigeria and several African countries to pay their respects.
