31st January, 2012
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Monday expressed shock at the passing away of Hajia Mariam M.D. Abubakar, the wife of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar which occurred in Kano after a protracted illness.
The President in a condolence message to the IGP, described Hajia Mariam’s death as “sad, painful and untimely” especially at this time that her husband needed her moral and emotional support as he confronts the challenge of ensuring national security in his new post.
President Jonathan who lauded Hajia Mariam’s great concern for the welfare of the less privileged in the society, particularly orphans, also noted her several charity works even before she assumed her last position as President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).
The President on behalf of the Federal Government prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of Hajia Mariam eternal rest and grant her husband and family the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.
The deceased was buried yesterday in Kano according to Islamic rites.
President Jonathan sent a four-man Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, to attend the burial and sympathise with the IGP and his family. Others members of the team are the Minister of Mines and Steel, Musa Mohammed Sada; the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Isa Bello Sali.