Tinubu salutes Yar’Adua’s memory on 13th anniversary

The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has paid tributes to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in commemoration of his death 13 years ago.

Describing the late President as a “brother and friend”, Tinubu said “As I prepare to take over the reins of leadership of this country on May 29, I am determined to follow the good examples set by leaders like Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua who showcased exceptional sense of propriety and selfless service to our dear country. Rest on dear brother. May your soul continue to find peace with your Maker.”

The President-elect on Friday made the glowing tribute in a statement released in Abuja by his media office entitled, ‘We’ll Never Forget You’.

He said, “Today, as always, I remember my good friend and brother in the struggle for democracy and good governance in Nigeria, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died on this day 13 years ago. May 5, 2010 may have long gone but, for some of us, the wound is still fresh. We remember the day as much as we remember the purposeful life lived by Mallam Musa Yar’Adua.

“As a friend and political associate, I cherish the fond memories of honesty, steadfastness, patriotism and excellence in public service left behind by the late Yar’Adua, both as governor of Katsina State (1999 to 2007) and president of Nigeria(2007 to 2010).”

The late president died on May 5, 2010 while in office after being ill for some time. He served between 2007 and 2010.

The northern politician had come into power after former President Olusegun Obasanjo completed his two terms.

After Yar’Adua’s death, his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, mounted the saddle to complete his four years.