By Salim Yunusa
On 5th May, 2010, Nigeria lost her serving President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua to a kidney related illness.
Yar’Adua was a two term governor of Katsina State, (1999-2007) and became the President of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. He was declared the winner of the Nigerian presidential election held on 21 April 2007, and was sworn in on 29 May 2007.
Many Nigerians on social media are pouring encomiums today for the late President for being a unifying leader, a true democrat and for bringing forth an agenda that would’ve made Nigeria and the lives of Nigerians better.
Some of the tributes include are:
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, tweeted, “Today, I celebrate my boss, friend, colleague and brother, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who departed this world 11 years ago.
As politicians, we shared a common vision of a peaceful, united and just nation. President Yar’Adua kept faith with this vision, channelling his strength and time in pursuit of an egalitarian society, until his last breath.
Although out of our sight, his legacies live with us and his memory we will continue to cherish. We will always remember him as a peacemaker, nation builder and democrat whose timeline was defined by virtues of service, peace, truth and love.”
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki tweeted, “On this day 11-years ago, Nigeria lost a selfless, patriotic and committed leader — and I lost a great friend. As we remember President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua today, we celebrate his legacy of integrity and pray that the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to be upon him. Amin.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, tweeted, “Eleven years in remembrance of our late President Umaru Yar’Adua—a patriot and compassionate leader. May your memory continue to be a blessing.”
