Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday led a high-level delegation of the National Assembly to Daura, Katsina State, to pay a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Radda following the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
During the visit, Akpabio described the late president as “a patriot, a man of integrity, and a shining light who served Nigeria selflessly both as a military leader and a democratically elected president.”
He recounted the delegation’s failed attempt to reach Katsina a day earlier due to airport closure, which forced their flight to return to Abuja after circling for over two hours. “We were determined to come back today to honour a man who gave his all for Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, Akpabio—who served in Buhari’s cabinet as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs—praised the former president’s commitment to discipline, humility, and national unity. He also recalled a personal gesture involving the Federal University Dutsin-Ma’s Faculty of Law, which he had proposed be named after Buhari rather than himself.
The Senate President lauded Governor Radda for his dedication to good governance and noted the historic connection between Akwa Ibom and Katsina states, both created on the same day in 1987. “True development is driven by love for the people, not just financial resources,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Radda expressed gratitude for the visit and shared his personal bond with the late Buhari. “Since his retirement, I visited Baba every two to three weeks. He always encouraged me to fear God, govern justly, and love this country,” Radda said.
He described the former president as “reserved on the outside, but warm and deeply inspirational in private,” calling his passing a profound loss to Katsina and Nigeria.
The delegation included top lawmakers such as Chief Whip Senator Tahir Munguno, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Munir, Senator Sani Zangon Daura Jr., and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
The visit underscores the National Assembly’s recognition of Buhari’s influence on Nigeria’s democratic and leadership landscape.
