Uba Sani mourns as Kaduna Deputy Governor loses father

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has announced the passing of Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, the father of the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.

The governor expressed his sympathy with the deputy governor and her family over the loss.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, Governor Sani offered his prayers on behalf of the state government and its residents.

He stated that the grieving family remains in the thoughts and prayers of the citizens during this difficult period.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency, her family and all who mourn his passing. We share their sorrow and hold them in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

Governor Sani prayed that Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. He also acknowledged the irreplaceable void left by the death of a parent.

“As Her Excellency and her family navigate this painful loss, may they find solace in the love they shared, the memories they cherish and the enduring value of his guidance,” the governor stated.

The late Alhaji Mohammed was a distinguished public servant and education administrator. His career spanned several decades, beginning as a teacher in 1960 before he rose to the position of education officer in the Jama’a Local Authority.

He subsequently served as the administrator of Sanga Local Government Area. Later, he was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State during the military administration of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

In a 2020 media interview, the late elder statesman described his daughter’s elevation to the office of deputy governor as one of the happiest moments of his life. He notably defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to support her when she was selected as the running mate to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai in 2019, explaining that he could not oppose his daughter politically.

Dr Balarabe assumed office as deputy governor in May 2019 under the El-Rufai administration. She successfully retained the position after Governor Sani selected her as his running mate for the 2023 governorship election, which they won.