Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal , led a host of dignitaries including several governors to the 8th Day Fidau prayers for late father of the Lagos State Governor, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola.
Governors who helped to make the event a top grade one include that of Adamawa State, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, his Kano State counterpart, Dr. Rabiu Kwakwanso, that of Jigawa State, Mallam Sule Lamido, Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Ogun State,Senator Ibikunle Amosun, that of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, that of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his counterpart from Oyo State, Mr. Abiola Ajimobi .
Other top dignitaries who joined in the prayers include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji among others.
The event which held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, created a traffic snare, as motorist were trapped for hours, while others avoided the axis completely and would rather follow longer routes to access their destinations.
It was even a herculean task for guests accessing and exiting the venue as Nigerians from all walks of lives besieged the venue to pay their last respect in honour of the deceased and condole with the Fashola family.
In his sermon, the national Missioner of Ansar-Udeen, Sheik Abdul-Rahaman Ahmad cautioned those saddled with the responsibilities of leading the nation to live a life of service to the nation, adding that the world is like a bridge.
“You don’t build the bridge, you cross it,” he said and likened the world to a bridge which he said leaders are to pass through and not to destroy.
According to him, Nigerians from all walks of life will all be brought before God in the judgement on the basis of their deeds, adding that only those who live a worthy life will have people who will intercede on their behalf for God to give them peace.
While noting that power is ephemeral, he called on leaders to always remember the day that they will drive all alone without sirens, orderlies, security and be caught up in the traffic. He said “many will point to them, saying, that is him, he was our former governor and former Senator, etc” adding that present deeds will determine the honour that would be accorded those once saddled with the responsibility of leadership.
In his remarks, Aminu Tambuwal described the late Fashola as father and a very good man. The speaker who said he met him on his pilgrimage to Mecca said Nigerians will surely miss him and prayed Allah to grant him eternal rest.
