The vice president, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, expressed gratitude to Mr Radda for the reception and kind gesture accorded to the federal government delegation throughout their stay in the state.

He stated, “We have been together with the governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support.’’

According to him, Mr Tinubu is personally pained by the loss of his friend, brother and political soulmate, Mr Buhari.

Mr Shettima assured that the federal government under the leadership of Mr Tinubu would continue to protect the image and dignity of Mr Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.

The vice president added that he would proceed to Abuja with the family of the late president to attend a Special Valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the deceased.

Earlier, Mr Radda said the deceased rendered selfless service to the nation, adding that nobody disputed the fact that he was an honest and just person.

He thanked Mr Tinubu and the vice president for honouring the remains of late Mr Buhari, saying “We, the people of Katsina State, don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We appreciate President Tinubu, who has shown compassion and respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely. Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet under the leadership of the vice president, Shettima, to be in Katsina State. The 25 ministers supported us at this trying moment, and we also thank the president for declaring a public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest.”

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the late Mr Buhari had an important place in the national history of Nigeria.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Mr Buhari, as reminded by Islamic clerics.

Mr Idris said, “We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers as directed by Mr President for finding time to offer prayers to our president and also participate in these national assignments. Because, indeed, former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and indeed belongs to the world.’’ 

(NAN)