Tinubu Reacts As Nafiu Baba-Ahmed Dies

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, who died in the early hours of Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid tribute to Baba-Ahmed, describing him as a distinguished administrator and prominent religious leader who devoted his life to serving Islam and the nation.

The President characterized the late cleric as an impactful leader who guided the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria with wisdom, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to unity, justice, and peaceful coexistence.

“The President recalled his long-term association with the late Baba-Ahmed, especially in the build-up to the 2011 election and in subsequent years, particularly the deceased’s counsel and support during his 2023 presidential campaign,” the statement read.

President Tinubu also acknowledged Baba-Ahmed’s vital contribution to sustaining the council’s influence on national issues, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting moral renewal and social justice.

“The President notes Mallam Baba-Ahmed’s pivotal role in sustaining the Council’s voice on national issues, fostering greater understanding, and promoting the values of moral renewal and social justice,” it stated.

Extending his condolences, the President commiserated with the leadership and members of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, the Baba-Ahmed family, the Kaduna State Government, and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah.

“The President prays that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, admits him to Jannatul Firdaus, and grants his family and the Muslim Ummah the fortitude to bear this loss,” the statement added.