By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has described the passing of Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President Shehu Shagari as a huge loss to Nigeria.

Shettima spoke on Sunday when he led the Federal Government’s delegation to condole with the Shagari family over the demise of the matriarch of the Shagari family, in Sokoto State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the eldest son of the former President Shagari, retired Capt. Bala Shagari, recently announced the death of the last surviving wife of the former president.

According to him, late Hajiya Sutura died at about 3p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, after a prolonged illness at the age of 89.

While commiserating with the Shagari family in Sokoto, Shettima, who said he was in the state at the instance of President Bola Tinubu prayed for the repose of Hajiya Sutura’s soul.

The vice-president also prayed to Almighty Allah to comfort the family and the Sultanate.

“We are here at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, to condole with the government and people of Sokoto State.

“As well as His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and the immediate family of our late President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, over the sad event of the passing of his last surviving wife, Hajia Sutura Aliyu Usman Shagari.”

Shettima also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannah Firdaus, while urging the immediate family, Sokoto State and the entire nation to bear the irreparable loss.

“May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with Aljana Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family and the good people of Sokoto and the nation as a whole, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he prayed.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state, thanked the vice-president for the show of love and concern about not only the Shagari family but the entire Sokoto State.

“The visit is a gesture which speaks volumes for having you in our midst today. Distinguished audience, you may recall that the vice president has been here almost, I can say, four times since the inception of our administration.

“This is a show of love and concern. We thank you most sincerely; we highly appreciate you for coming to console with us.

“We pray Allah to give you sound health, and to give you courage to continue the good work you are doing for this great country,” the governor told Shettima.

Responding, leader of the Shagari family and District Head of Shagari, retired Capt. Bala Shagari (rtd), thanked the vice-president for leading the Federal Government’s delegation to condole with the family.

He said it was a great honour having the Federal Government’s delegation sent by President Tinubu to condole with the Shagari family in their moment of grief.

He also thanked the state Governor for taking care of the Shagari family.

Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo; former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, and former Deputy governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, among other senior government officials. (NAN)