Many Nigerians, including the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan, have paid tribute to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, nine years after his death.
Mr Yar’Adua was born on August 16, 1951, and died May 5, 2010. He was the 13th leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He won the 2007 presidential election with 70 per cent of the votes (24.6 million votes) according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was sworn in on May 29, 2007.
The election was condemned by many who argued that it was rigged. Mr Yar’Adua in his inauguration speech also admitted the elections were fraught with irregularities.
As president, Mr Yar’Adua inaugurated a presidential electoral reform committee to look into the legal factors, social and political institutions and security issues that affect the quality and credibility of elections in the country and to also make recommendations on improving the credibility of elections.
On June 28, 2007, Mr Yar’Adua publicly declared his assets to become the first Nigerian president to do so.
His administration came in with seven-point agenda. The agenda includes critical infrastructural development in power, energy and transportation; focus on development issues in the Niger Delta; a movement away from a fossil fuel dependent economy to a diversified economy; human capital development; review of land tenure regulations towards a reform-oriented goal; security and food security.
He was not able to fully achieve any of this before his illness and eventual death in office.
Sickness Cum Death
Mr Yar’Adua was taken to Saudi Arabia in November 2009 for pericarditis treatment. The sickness generated lots of reactions from Nigeria who did not have knowledge about the health status of their leader.
On January 22, 2010, the Supreme Court of Nigeria gave the Federal Executive Council 14 days to provide an update on the capability of Mr Yar’Adua. By February 10, 2010, the Senate transferred presidential powers to Mr Jonathan as acting president, pending the time Mr Yar’Adua would be fine.
Mr Yar’Adua returned to Nigeria on February 24, 2010, with many unaware of his health status. He eventually died on May 5, 2010, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
He was buried the following day at his hometown, Katsina State.
Tribute:
In the early hours of Sunday, Mr Jonathan, who was Mr Yar’Adua’s vice president, took to Twitter to pay tribute to his late boss.
“On this day nine years ago I lost a friend, colleague, brother, and boss, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal and ethnic gains.
“Today, I remember and celebrate him for the works that he had done. Peace he lived for and homes of peace he built. Democracy he loved and democracy he nurtured. We will always remember you for your service. A servant leader truly you remain.”
“He used the opportunity he had in public service to build bridges of love, foster unity and give hope to Nigerians. President Yar’Adua was a man of integrity with a humble spirit who always took upon himself the burden of national reconciliation, peace-building, and democratic consolidation.”
Also, a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, in his condolence message said: “This day, 9 years ago, Nigeria lost a patriot and a compassionate leader in President Umaru Yar’Adua. May Allah SWT continue to shine His Noor on his face. Amin. – AA
This day, 9 years ago, Nigeria lost a patriot and a compassionate leader in President Umaru Yar’Adua. May Allah SWT continue to shine His Noor on his face. Amin. – AA pic.twitter.com/NjqFSuygvW
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 5, 2019
Senate President, Bukola Saraki also eulogised the late Mr Yar’Adua
“Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who passed on 9-years ago. His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him. Amin.
Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who passed on 9-years ago. His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him. Amin. pic.twitter.com/ty49Nl6MFY
— Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) May 5, 2019
A senator, Shehu Sanni, said: “President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died on this day nine years ago. He was a honest man, a true democrat, respecter of the rule of law and a humble visionary. May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.Amin.”
A Twitter user, @JosephEkesco said: “President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died on this day nine years ago. He was a honest man, a true democrat, respecter of the rule of law and a humble visionary. May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.Amin.”
@folorunsojunior said: “The good die young in power, while the wicked stays older and longer in power. Irony of life!
Rest on Umaru Yar’Adua.”
@sufyan_dikko “The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will…
Continue to rest in peace Late. Ummaru Musa Yar’adua.
The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will…
Continue to rest in peace Late. Ummaru Musa Yar’adua pic.twitter.com/Gh9VXsxDKH
— Sufyan Dikko II (@sufyan_dikko) May 5, 2019
@mosesobinnai: “THERE WAS A PRESIDENT
A leader who has vision and mission for nigeria and Nigerians.A leader that appoint his ministers and other government appointment base on merit irrespective of your State. May your gentle soul continue Rest in perfect peace.
Mallam Ummaru Musa Yaradua
THERE WAS A PRESIDENT
A leader who has vision and mission for nigeria and Nigerians.A leader that appoint his ministers and other government appointment base on merit irrespective of your State. May your gentle soul continue Rest in perfect peace.
Mallam Ummaru Musa Yaradua pic.twitter.com/rLgsVNcGfs
— Obinna E Moses (@mosesobinnae) May 5, 2019
@kingafrica_josh
“…history is not in a hurry to forget you. A generation thinks we would have been better with you.
Rest in Power President Umaru Yar’adua.
…history is not in a hurry to forget you. A generation thinks we would have been better with you.
Rest in Power President Umaru Yar'adua. pic.twitter.com/rbmit15oXc— King Father | Duke of Abuja (@KingFather_Josh) May 5, 2019
Another Twitter user : “Late Umaru Musa Yar’adua (1951-2010)
9 Years Without You But Still Remains The Best Nigerian President So far.
He was a Selfless Leader Who Placed National Interest Above Personal And Ethnic Gains, you Left Us But Your Good Work And Good Memories Are Still Alive
Rest On Sir
Late Umaru Musa Yar'adua (1951-2010)
9 Years Without You But Still Remains The Best Nigerian President So far.
He was a Selfless Leader Who Placed National Interest Above Personal And Ethnic Gains, you Left Us But Your Good Work And Good Memories Are Still AliveRest On Sir?? pic.twitter.com/sECdFvzirG
— Sani Mohammed (@sanimuhammed03) May 5, 2019
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