Yakubu Garba, the deputy governor of Niger State, has sent his condolences to former head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar on the death of Asabe Abubakar, his older sister. The state of Abuja mourns the loss of Asabe Abubakar, who passed away after a brief illness. The Abubakar family is not the only ones affected by this tragedy.

Mr. Garba expressed sorrow and emphasised the loss of Asabe Abubakar’s leadership and services at a critical juncture for the administration of Governor Umaru Bago. He also pointed out the regrettable timing of her passing.

While urging the grieving family to accept the loss as an act of God, the deputy governor extended prayers for Asabe Abubakar’s soul to rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and for the family to find strength in coping with the irreparable loss.

In another note of sorrow, Mr. Garba expressed shock over the passing of former president of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state, Ibrahim Matane. Matane, who played a pivotal role in championing the welfare of local government workers during his tenure, passed away at IBBU Specialist Hospital, Minna, following a prolonged illness.

The deputy governor mourned Matane’s passing on behalf of the entire nation as well as the state, emphasising the labour community’s profound benefit from his services.

These recent deaths highlight the difficulties the state faces in losing influential and committed people. The condolences from the deputy governor are in line with the general feelings of loss and appreciation for the invaluable contributions that Ibrahim Matane and Asabe Abubakar made to the community, state, and country.