Nigeria’s president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pledged to follow the guidance and footsteps of leaders like the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua when he assumes office on May 29.

Tinubu said this in a statement on Saturday, commemorating late president Yar’Adua, who died 13 years ago after a protracted illness

The former Lagos State governor said Yar’Adua performed excellently as governor of Katsina and as president after his emergence.

“May 5, 2010, may have long gone but, for some of us, the wound is still fresh. We remember the day as much as we remember the purposeful life lived by Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua,” he said.

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Tinubu described the late elder stateman “as a friend and political associate”, adding that he will continue to cherish “the fond memories of honesty, steadfastness, patriotism and excellence in public service” that Yar’Adua left behind, both as governor of Katsina (1999 to 2007) and president of Nigeria (2007 to 2010).

He also expressed his determination to “follow the good examples set by leaders like Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua who showcased an exceptional sense of propriety and selfless service”.

“Rest on, dear brother. May your soul continue to find peace with your Maker, Ameen.”

In his part, President Goodluck Jonathan, who served as a vice to Yar’Adua from 2007 to 2010, described his former boss as a “man of peace, justice and accountability”.

He said, “On this day thirteen years ago, our nation lost a great and selfless leader, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. We look back with appreciation to God for the gift of his life and his impact on our nation. President Yar’Adua was an exemplary leader, who lived above ethnic and religious sentiment. And his public life inspired many positively.

“Today we remember him for his life of service, dedication and commitment to a united and prosperous nation. We will continue to remember him for his developmental strides and his commitment to the peace and progress of Nigeria”.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and other notable Nigerians also took to their social media accounts to recall how the former president was committed to ensuring that Nigeria thrives for all while serving as the country’s president.

He wrote, “In loving memory of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a devoted leader, and a champion for democracy. As we mark the anniversary of his passing on May 5, 2010, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to the people of Nigeria and his steadfast dedication to the sanctity of the ballot and his relentless pursuit of a fair and transparent electoral process.

“President Yar’Adua was a beacon of humility and integrity, acknowledging the shortcomings of the very election that brought him to power in 2007.

The PDP presidential candidate at the just concluded 2023 poll called on Allah to grant the late president the highest place in paradise.

“Thank you for your selfless service, Mr President. And may the Almighty Allah continue to grant you Al-Jannah Firdaus”.

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR was a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. He was declared the winner of the Nigerian presidential election held on 21 April 2007, and was sworn in on 29 May 2007.