By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed condolences over the death of former Minister of Budget and Finance, Sir Abubakar Alhaji, the Sardaunan Sokoto, describing him as a distinguished public servant and respected elder statesman. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said it received news of Alhaji’s death “with profound sadness.”
The forum described the late statesman, popularly known as “Triple A,” as a seasoned civil servant, former Federal Permanent Secretary, diplomat and Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. It also noted that he was honoured as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
According to the ACF, Alhaji combined public service with scholarship and community engagement, serving at various times as Minister of Budget and Finance and later as Special Adviser on Economic and Budgetary Affairs to the Sokoto State Government. The forum said he was widely respected for his leadership, mentorship and commitment to national development, adding that his contributions to public administration would be remembered.
ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, OFR, on behalf of the forum’s National Executive Council and members, prayed for Allah to forgive the late statesman’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. The forum also extended its condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultanate Council, and the family of the late Sardaunan Sokoto.
