Dasuki was a man of peace, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his “heartfelt condolences” to the Dasuki family over the death of Ibrahim Dasuki, the 18th Sultan of Sokoto.

In a statement issued on his behalf by Garba Shehu, his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Buhari described the late monarch as a “voice for peace”.

The president said the deceased devoted his life to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups in the country.

“President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the Dasuki family, the government and people of Sokoto State on the death of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki,” the statement read.

“President Buhari also commiserates with the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs over the demise of the remarkable traditional ruler that devoted his life, tenure of office to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“The president joins them in mourning the passing of one of Nigeria’s most powerful voices for peace and unity in diversity, who diligently kept faith with the virtues of the Sardauna whom he had served as a public servant.

“Apart from modernising the traditional institution to bring it in tune with changing times, President Buhari believes that the late Ibrahim Dasuki, who died on Monday, will be long remembered for his role in the creation of the present local government system in the country.

“The President pays tribute to his contribution to national peace and development, particularly his significant role in producing the report that gave birth to the current local government councils.

“President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will comfort the family of his Eminence, grant the deceased eternal rest and reward his good virtues with Paradise.”

The monarch, who had been battling ailments related to old age, died at a Turkish hospital in Abuja on Monday.