Maitama Sule buried in Kano

THE remains of former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Yusuf Maitama Sule, was laid to rest at Wali Mai Geza Cemetery, Kofar Mazugal, Kano, around 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday with the Chief Imam of Kano, Professor Sani Zaradeen, leading the prayer.

The body had earlier arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where it was received by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and others, before it was flown to Kano.

A crowd of sympathisers had arrived at the emir’s palace as early as 2.00 p.m., waiting to pay their last respect to the Danmassanin Kano.

The corpse, which arrived through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) around 1.30 p.m. was first taken to Dr Sule’s residence, where it was dressed before it was brought to the emir’s palace for prayers.

The state governor, Dr Ganduje and other key members of the cabinet also participated in the funeral prayer.

Other dignitaries at the funeral prayer were the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II; a delegation of the Federal Government, led by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari. Others were Minister of Interior, General Ibrahim Dambazzau and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, led the delegation of the National Assembly. Former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Commassie and Professor Sani Zaradeen were also at the funeral.

Other dignitaries were Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Federal Government; Alhaji Aminu Wali, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Professor Ango Abdullahi, a prominent member of Northern Elders’ Forum.