President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, on Monday, mourned the death of a former military governor of Kaduna State, Air Vice Marshal Mouktar Muhammad (retd.), who died in London on Sunday.
The President described the deceased as one of the finest, most principled, patriotic and loyal military officers he had ever known and respected.
Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
“AVM Mohammed was so passionately committed to his principles and beliefs that he had to leave his military career earlier than expected on account of those principles.
“Very few Nigerians are ready to lose their jobs or offices on account of their beliefs, but the late Mohammed was an exception to this ugly reality of Nigeria, a society where public office holders respect power more than principles,” the President said.
Buhari also described the late Chairman of the Freedom Radio, Kano as a fountain of inspiration who loved the progress of Nigeria at all times.
The President recalled the role played by the late Air Force officer in the realisation of his people’s desire for the creation of the present Jigawa State.
El-Rufai described the deceased as an accomplished patriot.
Mohammad was the military governor of Kaduna State during the regime of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed and Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in the 1970s.
Until his death, Mohammad was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
El-Rufai, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said, “l received, with sadness but with total submission to the will of Allah, the news of AVM Moukar Mohammad’s death.
“He was our former military governor who worked diligently for the peace and harmony of our dear state. He was also an accomplished patriot who served patriotically in the military.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends and associates. And May Allah grant his soul Aljanna Firdausi.”
On its part, the ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Biu, said the deceased was a highly respected and principled air force officer and a gentleman, who stood for justice, fairness and equity to all.
He said Muhammad’s eloquence and insistence on due diligence while in the Nigerian Air Force and even in retirement placed him above his equals.
