Our Correspondents
The remains of the late Umaru Shinkafi, who died Wednesday at a London Hospital, will be interred today after the Islamic funeral prayer to be held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto.
A statement issued by a senior counsellor in the Caliphate and Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, said the Janaza prayer will be held immediately after the Jumaat prayers at the mosque located just outside the Sultan’s Palace.
“Marafa’s remains will arrive Sokoto Friday morning. The Janaza rites will be held after the jumaat prayers, after which he will be interred at the Hubbare here in Sokoto.
“This is to correct the impression that the prayer and the internment will be held outside Sokoto,” the statement added.
Shinkafi, who holds the traditional title of Marafan Sokoto, died at the Harefield Hospital, Hill End Road, Harefield, Middlesex, in the United Kingdom Wednesday afternoon after a prolonged illness.
He was aged 79.
Jonathan Says He was Dependable Public Servant
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, describing the late Marafan Sokoto as a committed patriot who served his nation diligently.
The former President, who made this known in a condolence message to the family of the late politician and the entire people of Sokoto and Zamfara States, also described Shinkafi as a democracy enthusiast who helped return the nation to civilian rule.
He said further: “Shinkafi was a dependable public servant and high achiever who was driven by an inherent belief in the unity and peaceful coexistence of our people.
“It is this belief that underscored his selfless commitment to sensitive national assignments where he gave his best shot to the task of improving the security profile architecture of the nation.
“He also etched his name in the annals of national idols by acquitting himself as an accomplished democracy enthusiast who fought to bring an end to military rule and ensure the triumph of people power in our great country.”
Saraki: He Died When His Experience was Most Needed
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, lamented the passage of former vice presidential candidate, Alhaji Umaru Ali Shinkafi, saying he died at the time his experience, frank disposition, wise counsel and political sagacity were most needed by a nation faced with several challenges.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Marafan Sokoto, as an accomplished public servant being a top ranking policeman, a leading political light who contributed so much to the political programmes that led to the birth of the present republic, a professional who did well as a legal practitioner and a former Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the nation’s former secret service, then known as Nigeria Security Organisation (NSO).
“The Marafan Sokoto was a consummate politician who had large followership across the country. He was a bridge builder. He was revered by his supporters and opponents. A man who will always say the truth at every point. He helped in mentoring many political office holders now occupying top positions in government at various levels. He was also a man who embodied the tradition of his people and that is why he held the important title of Marafa in the Sultan’s council.
“With his diverse and extensive experience in the area of security, his advice would have been useful in tackling the different security issues confronting our country at this point. Incidentally, Alhaji Shinkafi was not a man who shied away from contributing to issues of national development.
“His absence will be sorely missed by all and sundry. I pray that Almighty Allah grant him a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant members of his immediate family, his political family, the people and government of Zamfara and Sokoto States the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Saraki stated.
Dogara Mourns
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has expressed condolences to the government and people of Zamfara state over the death of elder statesman, and former presidential candidate,
Dogara, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan, said the loss of Shinkafi, who also hold the title of Marafan Sokoto, is a huge loss to the nation.
“In all his years in the public service, Shinkafi distinguished himself as a patriotic, committed and dedicated Nigerian. He served the nation with distinction as a lawyer, police officer, federal Commissioner of Internal Affairs and intelligence chief in the National Security Organisation before joining politics,” Dogara said.
He also described the late Shinkafi as a true democrat who contributed immensely towards the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.
“The late Shinkafi was a bridge-builder, cosmopolitan and lived exemplary live worthy of emulation. Our heart goes to his immediate family, government and people of Zamfara state over the irreparable loss,” the Speaker said.
Tinubu Condoles with Family
Former of Lagos State Governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described Umaru Shinkafi as a patriot who served Nigeria well.
He statement by his media office, Tinubu said: “He was a destabilised Nigerian who was passionate about the unity and progress of Nigeria. He was a man of great integrity and stable character as I have come to know him over decades.
“Shinkafi served as a foremost security expert helping Nigeria to establish an intelligence and security structure that serves the country up till today. His death is a great national loss.
“He was a leading northern leader and mobiliser and he built a network of friends across ethnic and religious divides. Soft spoken but deeply knowledgeable and considerate he was one not to let up on his conviction that the political elites must team up for the task of nation building.
“He will be sorely missed. His wisdom and people skills will also be missed. I condole with family and friends and with both the spiritual and political leadership in Sokoto.”
Tambuwal: He was a True Statesman
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described the late Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi as a true statesman whose selfless and meritorious service to God, country and humanity was felt by all.
In a message of condolence issued in Sokoto by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described Shinkafi as a distinguished legal luminary, security expert, politician with conscience and great community leader and mobiliser.
“Marafa’s death has closed a chapter in the life of one Nigeria’s most valuable public officers who made his mark in both public and private sectors. He was a truly passionate Nigerian whose invaluable contributions to issues of national interest will be greatly missed.
“His law office served as training ground for many aspiring lawyers in Sokoto State and beyond.
While condoling his immediate family, the people and government of Zamfara State and the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, Tambuwal prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
