President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of the secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Nafiu Baba-Ahmed.
Mr Baba-Ahmed died on Tuesday, according to a statement by a prominent Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi.
Mr Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, described the deceased as “an impactful leader who steered the affairs of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria with wisdom, foresight, and a deep commitment to unity, justice, and peaceful coexistence”.
The president noted his long-term association with Mr 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 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,” the statement said.
Mr Tinubu extended his condolences to SCSN, its members, the deceased’s family, the Government and people of Kaduna State and the Nigerian Muslim Ummah over the huge loss.