Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua, the mother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, acknowledging her significant role in shaping his political career. Jonathan made these remarks on Saturday in Katsina during a condolence visit to the Yar’Adua family following the death of their matriarch.
Describing her demise as a personal loss, Jonathan emphasized the profound impact Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua had on his life and career. He credited her for his rise to national prominence, explaining that it was her son, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who selected him as his running mate. Jonathan noted that without this pivotal moment, his name might never have been known in Nigerian politics.
“This woman technically made me who I am,” Jonathan stated. “Her death is really touching to me. It was her son who brought me as his running mate, and without this woman, you wouldn’t have known my name. So she was like my mother, and this is like the death of my mother.”
The former president recounted how he learned of her passing while on his way to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he received the sad news from Nigeria’s head of mission there. Upon his return to Nigeria on Friday, he made it a priority to visit Katsina to pay his respects.
In his message of condolence, Jonathan extended his heartfelt sympathy to the Yar’Adua family and the people of Katsina State. “On behalf of myself, my team, my community, and my state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Yar’Adua family and indeed to the good people of Katsina State,” he said.
Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua, who passed away on the evening of Monday, September 2nd, 2024, after a brief illness at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, was not only the mother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua but also the mother of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Senator Abdul Aziz Musa Yar’Adua. Senator Yar’Adua currently represents the Katsina Central Constituency and serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.
Her death marks a significant moment of mourning for the Yar’Adua family and all those connected to her enduring legacy.
