On Sunday May 5, Nigerians paid glowing tribute to the late Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua, who passed away while in office 14 years ago.
Before his presidency, Yar’Adua served as the governor of Katsina State in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone from May 1999 to May 2007. He emerged victorious in the 2007 presidential election and took office to succeed his fellow party member in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Yar’Adua led Nigeria as President from May 2007 until his passing in May 2010 at the age of 58, due to an undisclosed illness. His death under controversial circumstances led to his Vice President, and former governor of Bayelsa State, Goodluck Jonathan, assuming power, becoming Nigeria’s first leader from the oil-rich Niger-Delta region.
Fourteen years after his demise, friends and political allies of the late Katsina-born statesman fondly recalled his influence and legacy.
Yar’Adua’s calm demeanour, dedication, patriotism, and exemplary and inclusive governance, is now celebrated as a gold standard for Nigeria’s current and future leaders.
Yar’Adua had 9 children and is still mourned by Nigeria’s former first lady, Turai Yar’Adua.
Ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal described the late Yar’Adua as a “true democrat”.
“The late President Yar’Adua was a man of strong character who deeply respected the rule of law. He was a patriot who believed in institutionalizing democracy and, more importantly, in the unity of Nigeria,” he posted on X.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki posted, “Today, I remember what he stood for and how he worked towards it. I remember his focus on building strong institutions—so that the very DNA of our democracy would be founded on laws and best practices, not on the whims of men.”
A former Senator (APC, Kaduna Central), Shehu Sani, said the late President “lived a simple life and made life easier and better for the downtrodden in the country”.
The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, organized a prayer day in honour of the late President.
Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, posted, “Though his tenure was cut tragically short, Yar’Adua’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, fighting corruption, and fostering dialogue across all regions left an enduring legacy.”
The late President’s brother and Senator representing Katsina Central in the National Assembly, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said his late brother was “an exceptional leader and an icon of democracy”.
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