The remains of elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule, were committed to mother earth yesterday amidst tears.
A host of eminent Nigerians and leaders stormed the ancient city of Kano to pay their last respects and witness the interment of the erudite politician, who died in Cairo, Egypt, aged 87, on Monday. Funeral of the elder statesman, Late Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule (Dan Masanin Kano), in Kano yesterday Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, and Senate President, Bukola Saraki, led the Federal Government delegation.
Alhaji Maitama Sule’s internment started with funeral prayers led by Chief Imam of Kano State, Professor Sani Zahradeen, at the Emir’s Palace at 6:08pm, with Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, his Deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, in attendance. Other dignitaries include Minister of Interior, Lt- Gen. Abdurrahman Danbazau (retd) and the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi. There were also Minister of Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu; Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan’ali (retired); Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris; governors of Jigawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Borno states among others. Members of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, such as Professor Ango Abdullahi, Galadiman Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, Justice Mamman Nasir and business moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and Alhaji Samaila Funtua, former Inspector- General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasie, and Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Yayale Ahmed, Nigerian former Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali, and Professor Atahiru Jega, among others, also witnessed the funeral.
