Accident: Shettima, APC governors sympathise with Radda

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Vice President, Kashim Shettima and high-powered team of the All Progressive Congress (APC) governors, under the banner of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have paid sympathy visit to Katsina governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda

The visit came in the aftermath of a recent minor road accident involving Governor Radda along the Katsina-Daura highway.

Shettima was at the Katsina State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, to wish Governor Dikko Radda well and offer prayers.

The Vice President expressed his personal concern and joined others in thanking Almighty Allah for sparing Governor Radda’s life and keeping him safe from harm.

Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led the gathering in a heartfelt prayer, asking Allah to continue protecting and strengthening Governor Radda: “May Almighty Allah continue to shield you, strengthen you, and grant you long life and sound health as you carry out your duties in service of your people. We thank Him for His mercy and pray that such incidents never happen again.”

Governor Radda, who appeared in high spirits, deeply appreciated the visit. He described it as a warm gesture that reflects strong bonds of leadership and shared humanity beyond politics or protocol.

“This visit means a lot to me. It shows the values we hold dear as Nigerians compassion, unity, and solidarity,” Governor Radda said.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Deputy Chief of Staff (Office of the Vice President), Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia; and NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who offered the special prayer during the visit.

Also present were the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, and the Katsina APC Public Relations Officer, Shamsu Sule Funtua.

Also, a high-powered team of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) during their visit expressed their personal concern and joined others in thanking God sparing Governor Radda’s life and protecting him from harm.

The visit was led by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

In his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma reaffirmed the unity of the Progressive Governors and expressed gratitude to God for Governor Radda’s recovery and strength.

“We give glory to God that you are strong, out of the hospital, and ready to continue the mandate given to you by your people,” he emphasized.

He noted that their presence was more than symbolic — it was a demonstration of genuine concern and shared compassion.

“When you are happy, we rejoice with you. And when you are mourning, we mourn with you,” he said.

He urged Governor Radda to focus on his full recovery and assured him that his fellow governors remained firmly behind him.

“We are here holding forth for you. Take your medications, recover fully, and rejoin us soon. Our party is growing stronger, our unity is firm, and we will not disappoint the expectations of Nigerians,” he added.

The visiting governors also used the opportunity to personally greet and sympathize with Governor Radda over the road accident he recently survived while going to Daura. They thanked God for sparing his life and prayed for his continued healing and renewed strength.

In addition to their show of solidarity, they also extended their condolences to Governor Radda over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Radda, visibly moved by the gesture, warmly received his colleagues and thanked them for their presence and support.

“I feel deeply honoured to welcome you all to Katsina House. This visit is not something I take for granted,” he said.

He acknowledged their full participation at the burial of the former President and described it as a rare demonstration of national unity and leadership.

“That singular act showed the North, and indeed the entire country, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deep respect and love for this region,” he emphasized.

Radda further noted that such a strong show of commitment from the President sent a clear message of inclusion and loyalty.

“In the history of this country, we’ve never seen a former President honoured in this way. President Tinubu personally led a powerful team, stood with us, and proved once again that he is a leader who truly cares,” he remarked.

He praised the APC governors for the unity they continue to uphold and expressed confidence in the strength of their collective mission.

“Our unity is our greatest strength. With this level of togetherness, we are sending a message to all that we are prepared, focused, and, Insha Allah, will be victorious behind our party,” he said.

He concluded by offering prayers for the late President Muhammadu Buhari and expressed heartfelt appreciation to his colleagues for standing with him and the people of Katsina during this difficult time.

Also present was the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, along with other APC governors from across the country, including:, Abdullahi Sule Nasarawa State, Hyacinth Alia Benue State, Biodun Oyebanji Ekiti State, Mohammed Umar Bago Niger State, Babagana Zulum Borno State, Ahmed Usman Ododo Kogi State, Nasir Idris Kebbi State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto State, Francis Nwifuru Ebonyi State, Umar Namadi Jigawa State, Uba Sani Kaduna State, Dapo Abiodun – Ogun State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa Ondo State, Senator Akan Udosen Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, representing Governor Umo Eno.

Also present at the event were: Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Alhaji Jabiru Salisu Abdul Tsauri, Other senior government officials.