Almost two weeks after the demise of his friend and ally, Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a signed letter to Funtua’s wife and family.
In the letter written in Hausa, Buhari described Funtua’s death as a major national loss.
Buhari told the bereaved wife, Hajiya Hauwa, the children and the entire family members that this loss was not theirs alone, but that of the entire country.
“Malam Isma’ila was of great assistance to me and my administration. He helped in many ways to strengthen the government and the country before his ultimate demise.”
According to the President, “Nigerians of all shades and backgrounds have nothing but kind words for him.”
“Late Isma’ila was reputed throughout his life for his kindness, generosity and support for public causes, big and the not so big,” Buhari wrote.
He then urged all those Malam Isma’ila left behind not to allow division in their ranks.
President Buhari also prayed to Allah to forgive the departed and grant him Aljannatul-Firdaus (paradise).