By Ibraheem Solaudeen
Yesterday, 5 May, 2019, was the 9th anniversary of the death of former President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who died in 2010.
To commemorate the anniversary of the demise of the late ex- President, prominent Nigerians have showered encomium on him; with many flooding the social media space with memorial posts.
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, believed to be very close to the late Yar’Adua while he was President of Nigeria, was among the many public figures who paid tribute to his memory.
Saraki wrote on his verified Twitter handle (@bukolasaraki): “Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who passed on 9-years ago. His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him. Amin.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan who was deputy to Yar’Adua also showered praises on his late boss. “On this day nine years ago I lost a friend, colleague, brother, and boss, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal and ethnic gains”, Jonathan wrote.
Some other politicians, including former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; Senator Shehu Sani and host of others also remembered the late Yar’Adua in very glowing words.
However, Nigerians, particularly young people who dominate the online community, didn’t consider the tributes and kinds words said in memory of Yar’Adua as a reflection of the goodwill of their authors. In fact, they see politicians who are now publicly celebrating Yar’Adua as hypocrites.
“These hypocritical politicians would not just shut up. All of them were there when OBJ handed Yar’Adua the death sentence. The kingmaker is still alive but the king he made is receiving tribute in his grave. Death is a debt we all have to pay”, said a commentator who goes by the name Hastel.
In his own contribution, Suleiman Alatise argued that these politicians making a show of praise singing late Yar’Adua only “hope to make political gains from it, because they did’nt remember him last year and the year before.”