By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state on behalf of government and his family, joins citizens of the state to mourn the death of the state’s Chief Imam, Ibrahim Ahmad, who died yesterday after a protracted illness at over 90 years of age.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Isa Gusau, Governor Shettima described the late chief imam as one of the very strong pillars of Borno whose demise will be eternally missed, especially at a moment like this when the state is facing challenges that require the prayers and leadership guidance of great men like the late chief imam.
Shettima said the late Imam Ahmad was a rallying point who helped in uniting Borno people through his spiritual guidance and mediation on religious matters as someone that led Muslim worshipers in congregational prayers for over 50 years.
He said the late Imam had as a one-time judge more than 30 years ago, played a crucial role in laying solid foundation in the course of justice and the advancement of Borno’s legal system. Shettima added that as chairman of the state’s preaching board for many years, the late Imam contributed immensely in the regulation of preaching activities that deepened the spread of knowledge without compromising public peace, respect for diverse faiths and value which enhanced inter religious harmony and socio-cultural integration.
The governor said the late chief imam was a man of integrity, an epitome of greatness and one who devoted his life to offering prayers for many years of peace in Borno state.
Shettima described his death as huge loss not only to Borno state but to the entire Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.
The late chief imam left behind over 100 children and dozens of grand children.
The governor prayed that Allah admits the late chief imam into aljanna firdaus and give his family and rest of Borno people the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of a great icon in Borno’s history. He also used the opportunity to urge residents who offer prayers for repose of the chief imam to please include prayers for the safe return of schoolgirls abducted at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok and for the return of peace to Borno and the entire Nigeria.
