Buhari Commiserates with Lalong over Demise of Traditional Ruler

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state over the demise of the traditional ruler of Mangu, Mishakagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness, Da Nelson A. Bakfur.

The royal father, according to a release issued yesterday by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, will be sorely missed by his people, and by extension the nation.

The President, therefore, sent condolences to government and people of Plateau State, particularly Mangu Local Council, Mangu Traditional Council and Mwaghavul-speaking people in North Central, urging solace in the good works of the traditional ruler, whose interest in the peace and unity of the country was evident.

According to him, the departed leader stood for what was right in community development, lived to promote the values of fairness and justice as custodian of the tradition, and roundly advocated trust in God and love for neighbours and visitors.

As the revered traditional ruler cedes the throne of his ancestors, the President urged family, friends and associates to approximate his values, and remain steadfast in sustaining his legacies.

Also yesterday President Buhari expressed the nation’s condolences following the demise of Major Baita Bashir (rtd), a gallant military man and trainer of fighters who joined the Army in 1952, when it was the West African Frontier Force, and was first trained in Zaria before further instructions in Ghana, Russia, UK, and Germany.

In a tribute, the President described the late Major, popularly called “Captain Baita” as an outstanding soldier who earned the nation’s gratitude in many ways.

Said he: “We mourn a great military warrior who won our nation’s gratitude for an outstanding military service. We remember his service to the nation during the Civil War, the Maitatsine Crisis in Kano and before then, his successful operations in the Congo. His dedication to our nation and his exemplary leadership capabilities will continue to inspire our Armed Forces.

“My thoughts are with his family and those mourning the distinguished military warrior and a fine human being. May his soul Rest In Peace”.