HID Awolowo Should Have Waited 2 More Years Before She Died- Buhari

The secretary to the government of the federation, SGF, Engr. Babachir Lawal, while paying condolence visit to the family of late HID Awolowo said, the Federal wishes that late Mama Awolowo was alive for two more years to experience the transformation agenda of the present government, he disclosed this while commiserating with the family on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Babachir led the federal government delegation to the family of the late first lady of the old Western Region, at Ikenne, yesterday.

According to the SGF, President Buhari instructed the delegation to inform the family of the readiness of the FG to give all necessary support for Mama Awolowo to have a befitting burial.
Lawal, who said he was with the president when the news of the death was broken to him, said PMB was pained by the death of Mrs Awolowo.

“President Buhari sent us here to condole with the immediate family of Awolowo, the Yorubas, Nigerians and Africa in general. I was with the president when the VP broke the news and, from the countenance, the president was distraught. But as believers, we know death is a transition.

“She has gone to be with the lord. We can only thank God and celebrate her life and not mourn,” he said. 

The SGF further stated that the only regret of the FG was that Mama Awolowo did not live for another two years to see the Nigeria she dreamt of come into life under PMB.

“Our only regret is that Mama did not live to see the transformation the country will undergo with the active participation of her son in law and grandchild,”

Lawal who described PMB as the chief mourner of the departed soul said, “On behalf of PMB who has offered to participate in the burial we wish that God grants you the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Meanwhile, the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said he was still in shock at the death of Mama Awolowo.

The VP, who initially declined to make any comments after the speech of the SGF, was, however, egged on by journalists who insisted that he should speak.

“I am still in shock. For some of us, Mama knew us from birth. It is a celebration of a fulfilled life. Mama had personal relationship with people, very loving and caring. She stood by Papa that he described her as the most important part of him. Awo said it many times that he didn’t know what he would have been without Mama by his side.

“She was a great repository of knowledge. I wish I was with her at the last moment to ask her some questions. She lived for this nation. I wish she lived longer to see a new nation. I believe her memory will be better served by a better nation,” Osinbajo said.

The delegation included the chief of staff, Abba Yari; the chief of defence staff, Abayomi Olorunnisakin; former SGF, Babagana Kingibe, and others.