Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condoled with former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
In a statement on Friday night, Obi said, “I have just received the sad news of the passing of the mother of my brother, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving treatment.
“This is indeed a sombre moment for the El-Rufai family, as Mama’s passing marks the close of a significant chapter in their matriarchal lineage.
“The loss of a mother is a profound turning point in anyone’s life, regardless of status or position.
“My deepest sympathies go to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May her soul rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. She was reportedly about 100 years old.
Her death was announced earlier by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a Facebook post, where he expressed gratitude for her life and called for prayers for her soul.
Meanwhile, notable Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, have paid tributes to the late Hajiya El-Rufai.
Hajiya El-Rufai was reportedly about 100 years old.
Her passing comes just a week after the death of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai, compounding the family’s grief.
Hajiya El-Rufai’s death was announced on Friday by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a Facebook post in which he expressed gratitude for her life and called for prayers for her soul.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah SWT we came, and to Him we shall all return. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away a few hours ago,” the post read.
Tinubu, in a statement signed on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family as a woman who lived a remarkable life, raised children and grandchildren who have contributed greatly to the country.
The President, who also lost his mother in old age, said he understood the depth of El-Rufai’s loss.
He said, “Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo.
“As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss.
“Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.”
Tinubu expressed faith that the deceased had fulfilled her earthly purpose according to divine will.
“As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker,” Tinubu said.
He joined family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with El-Rufai, praying that Allah grants the deceased Aljannah Firdaus (the highest level of Paradise in Islamic belief).
In his condolence message, Atiku Abubakar expressed sorrow, describing the matriarch’s passing as a shocking development while acknowledging her fulfilled life and legacy of service.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the El-Rufai family and friends, and pray that Allah accepts her soul and grants her Al-Janna Firdaus,” he said.
Atiku noted that her death on a Friday, the Islamic holy day of Jumu’ah, offered some comfort to the family, praying for divine strength for those she left behind.
Also, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described Hajiya El-Rufai as a caring figure with whom he shared fond memories.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss.
“My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss,” Ribadu wrote.
The PUNCH