Hajiya Jummai Abubakar, the last surviving wife to late Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, is dead
A grand daughter to the late prime minister, Hajiya Hajara Yakubu Wanka,confirmed the death of Hajiya Jummai in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday night.
Hajara disclosed that the deceased, aged 85, died at 4pm on Sunday in Lagos, following cardiac arrest, leaving behind eight children and many grandchildren
She said that the deceased had returned from a two weeks medical trip in India,but decided to while away time in Lagos with her daughter, when the death occurred.
She said that the corpse would be brought to Bauchi on Monday for burial.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of the late Prime Minister, on the loss of Hajiya Jummai Abubakar.
The President’s condolence message is communicated through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday.
In the message sent through the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, President Buhari said: “It was with the deepest sense of sorrow that I have learnt of the tragic demise of Hajiya Jummai Tafawa Balewa.
“In her sad demise, Nigeria has lost an outstanding political figure, who was passionately committed to the cause of the family and the legacies of her late husband.
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved family, the government and people of Bauchi State and the entire people of our dear country. May Allah repose her soul.”
Meanwhile, President Buhari has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to make an aircraft from the Presidential fleet available for the evacuation of the remains of the deceased from Lagos, where she died in a private hospital, to Bauchi.
The remains of the late prime minister’s wife, who died at the age of 85, will be committed to mother earth in Bauchi on Monday.
In a related development, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on people of the state to honour the Balewa family by turning out enmass and attending the burial of the deceased.
In a statement issued by Muntari Gidado, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Muhammed, described the death as a great loss, not only to her immediate family members , but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general.
He recalled the active participation and contributions of the late prime minister in the Nigeria project, especially his tremendous contributions and sacrifices in keeping Nigeria as one indivisible and united entity.
Muhammed prayed to Allah to forgive her shortcomings, bless what she left behind, grant her paradise, and give her family , the people of the state and entire nation, the fortitude to bear the loss.
He, therefore, called on the people of the State to come out enmass and attend the funeral prayer of the deceased as a mark of respect for the Balewa family.
Her burial has been fixed for Monday (today), Oct.28, by 2pm at the palace of the Emir of Bauchi.
