By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the banner of Progressive Governors (PGF)
have paid a visit to the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda to commiserate with him over the demise of former President Muahammadu Buhari and also wish him quick recovery from the recent road accident he had.
The accident happened along the Katsina-Daura highway, while governor Radda was returning from the burial of the late President Buhari.
Expressing their concerns, the visiting governors said they are joining all well meaning Nigerians in thanking Almighty Allah for protecting and sparing the life of governor Radda from harm.
Leading the Progressive Governors Forum, their chairman and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma said their presence was a powerful display of solidarity and brotherhood.
While noting that they are grrateful to God for governor Radda’s recovery and strenght, Hope Uzodinma added,
“We give glory to God that you are strong, out of the hospital, and ready to continue the mandate given to you by your people.
“Our presence was more than symbolic. it is a demonstration of genuine concern and shared compassion because
when you are happy, we rejoice with you. And when you are mourning, we should mourn with you too”, Uzodimma noted.
Giving his advice, the PGF chairman, Uzodimma said governor Radda should also focus on his full recovery just as he assured that his fellow governors remained firmly behind him.
“We are here holding forth for you. Take your medications, recover fully, and rejoin us soon. Our party is growing stronger, our unity is firm, and we will not disappoint the expectations of Nigerians,” He submitted.
Responding to the visit, Katsina state governor, Dikko Umaru Radda thanked them for their presence and support, saying, “I feel deeply honoured to welcome you all to Katsina House. This visit is not something I take for granted,”
Governor Radda also acknowledged their full participation at the burial of the former President and described it as a rare demonstration of national unity and leadership.
“That singular act showed the North, and indeed the entire country, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deep respect and love for this region,” he emphasized.
A statement by governor Radda’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed also quotes the governor as saying such a strong show of commitment from the President sent a clear message of inclusion and loyalty.
“In the history of this country, we’ve never seen a former President honoured in this way. President Tinubu personally led a powerful team, stood with us, and proved once again that he is a leader who truly cares,” he remarked.
He praised the APC governors for the unity they continue to uphold and expressed confidence in the strength of their collective mission.
“Our unity is our greatest strength. With this level of togetherness, we are sending a message to all that we are prepared, focused, and, Insha Allah, will be victorious behind our party,” he said.
He concluded by offering prayers for the late President Muhammadu Buhari and expressed heartfelt appreciation to his colleagues for standing with him and the people of Katsina during this difficult time.
Earlier, Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule offered the opening prayers, while his Benue state counterpart, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, said the closing prayers.
Present at the visit were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, along with other APC governors from across the country, including:, Abdullahi Sule Nasarawa State, Hyacinth Alia Benue State, Biodun Oyebanji Ekiti State, Mohammed Umar Bago Niger State, Babagana Zulum Borno State, Ahmed Usman Ododo Kogi State, Nasir Idris Kebbi State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto State, Francis Nwifuru Ebonyi State, Umar Namadi Jigawa State, Uba Sani Kaduna State, Dapo Abiodun – Ogun State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa Ondo State, Senator Akan Udosen Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, representing Governor Umo Eno.
Others are the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Alhaji Jabiru Salisu Abdul Tsauri, and ther senior government officials.