Isaac Samuel
Governor Uba Sani, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among the top political figures who attended the funeral prayer of the late Hajiya Umma El-Rufai at Abuja Central Mosque on Sunday.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other dignitaries also joined thousands of Muslim faithful in paying their respects.
Hajiya Umma, mother of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo on Friday.
Malam El-Rufai was temporarily released from detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to attend the funeral.
President Bola Tinubu and numerous Nigerians have sent condolence messages to the El-Rufai family.
The president described the loss of a mother as “a pain unlike any other” and prayed that the memories of Hajiya Umma’s life and values would comfort the family.
Governor Uba Sani remembered Hajiya Umma as a devoted mother and matriarch, praising her for “rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength.”
He said she lived a life marked by compassion, humility, and service, showing kindness to the vulnerable and dignity to all who knew her.
The funeral prayer drew a host of senior government officials, traditional rulers, and public figures, including former Governor Umar Baggo of Nigeria State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State, former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar, and former Central Bank Governor Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, alongside captains of industry.
The event was a solemn gathering, reflecting the respect and admiration Hajiya Umma commanded during her life and the wide network of leaders and citizens who mourned her passing.
