Dare Babalola
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the death of revered Islamic cleric Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a “devastating loss”, emphasising the timing is particularly cruel as Nigeria grapples with escalating religious divisions.
In a statement issued Thursday by his media office, Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lamented, “The Sheikh’s departure comes at a time when his healing voice was badly needed in a country infected by religious division created by demagogues who do not mean well for Nigeria”.
Atiku highlighted Sheikh Bauchi’s role as a consistent force for unity, frequently lending his “wise voice” during episodes of sectarian strife. “When it comes to scholarship and learning, the late Bauchi was a colossus whose impact will be indelible in the hearts and minds of the people,” he added, praising the Tijjaniyya leader for using his pulpit to promote unity and counter “seeds of hate and bigotry”.
Atiku prayed, “May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant his soul a peaceful repose”, urging Nigerians to honour Sheikh Bauchi’s legacy by championing tolerance.
Other Nigerian leaders echoing grief include President Bola Tinubu, who called Sheikh Bauchi a “moral compass”, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who pledged continued support for the cleric’s educational and religious institutions.
The Sheikh, aged 102, passed away in the early hours of Thursday.
