Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, paid a condolence visit to the
Yar’Adua family, following the passing of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua.
Jonathan, who arrived in Katsina in the company of some of his allies and close aides, was received by the state governor, Dikko Radda, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, and other members of the State Executive Council.
They later proceeded to Yar’adua quarters, where Senator Abdulazeez Yar’adua, the chairman, Senate Committee on Army, and also chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, received the delegation.
While pay glowing tribute to the deceased, Jonathan said he was deeply touched by her passing, and recalled how her son, the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua, picked him as his running mate, which started his journey to national politics.
He credited Hajiya Yar’adua for his rise to prominence, recalling his fond memories with her while also reflecting on their different encounters.
He also recalled his frequent visit to
Katsina, both for political and personal reasons, saying she was his “own mother.”
“Without this lady in place, nobody would have known me. She has contributed significantly to my life, indirectly she made me who I am.
“I used to call her mother of all because of her nurturing role that extended far beyond her immediate family and touched the lives of many across the nation”, he stated.
He sympathised with the family and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“I returned from Kigali (Rwanda) yesterday, I decided to come down immediately with my friends to pay my condolences to the family. On behalf of my team, my family, community, and state come to condole the Yar’Adua family.
"I felt so sad. Allah knows the best, Allah will provide for all of us.”
Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua was the mother of former President Umaru Yar’Adua, whom Jonathan took over from after he passed on May 5, 2010.
She was also the mother of Shehu Musa Yar’adua the ex-Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, under the military regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who died on December 8, 1997 in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Dada Yar’Adua died in Katsina on Monday night after a protracted illness at the age of 102. She was born into a respected Fulani family in Katsina State.
