From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Friday got emotional as he narrated to the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu how his younger brother, Sani Dangote, died at a United States of America (USA) hospital last Sunday.
He revealed that Sani gave up the ghost before him, his mother and other members of his family, while on a life-supporting machine.
Dangote said: “We have always known that when there is life there is death. We as Muslims don’t know who is next and it can be today, tomorrow or even now.
“That is why it is good to be good so that when you get there you can bid for whatever you were asked to do on earth.
“Your Excellency, (Abdullahi Umar Ganduje), you are our host because you are the governor of all of us and we really thank you for taking almost the whole week strughling with the crowds, its not easy.
“I thank you all for all your prayers and your support. This will actually help us to reduce the pain that we are going through. It is a very tough time for us, its been very trying for especially myself, we were actually almost like bond together.
“Having a brother like this (Sani), once you lose him it is really very painful. Because he died in front of myself, our mother and all his children.
“The most painful thing is when you are told that your brother will be passing on in about an hour and you stand by watching as the machine is going down until it stopped working. It was very tormenting.”
While condoling with Dangote, Tinubu urged the bereaved to take solace in God.
He said: “We are here not to just commiserate or console you, we are here together to mourn our dear brother. Sani is not yours alone, he is a Lagosian and a great Nigerian and a friend and a brother to all of us here.
“I am not a preacher, but I know what it means to suddenly lose a close relation especially a brother.
“What we have come to do is to join in prayers for you and the people of Kano state, for Nigeria and the entire family as a whole. May God give you the strength to bear the loss. Is a loss to all of us. And also grant you what you didn’t donate to, longer life, keep you in good health, keep the family in good health, give you peace of mind and the ability to accept the decree of God Almighty.
“He is the giver and he is the taker and He can do anything at any given time he chooses. With your faith and your strong capacity, we believe you will come out of it and continue to do good in his name, in your name, in the family’s name and the entire people of the country, is also a loss to all of us.”
The AUTHORITY reports that mammoth crowd of APC faithfuls and supporters welcomed Tinubu to Kano.
Sani died in a United States of America (USA) hospital, last Sunday, after battling a cancer-related ailment.
His remains was brought to Kano and buried at the family cemetery last Tuesday.
Since then, Kano has been playing host to high-profile politicians, business men, technocrats and other big men who have been coming to register their condolence to the richest man in Africa, Dangote, his family and the good people of Kano state.
Tinubu and his entourage landed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), on a private jet, at about 11:40 a.m.
He was warmly received by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his Deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, members of Ganduje’s cabinet and APC chieftains, at the airport.
Unprecedented crowd also lined up at the airport, waving at the long convoy of Timubu, a potential 2023 presidential aspirant.
From the airport, Tinubu proceeded to the residence of business mogul and uncle to Dangote, Alhaji Aminu Dantata at Koki quarters, within the city where he condoled with him.
From there, the APC National Leader headed to the residence of Aliko Dangote, at Dambazau Lane, off Lodge Road.
Tinubu, who was in company of Governor Ganduje visited Goveenment House and the Palace of the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
He observed the Friday prayer, with the Emir, Ganduje and other government dignitaries at Kano Central Mosque, after which he paid a courtesy call on the Emir.
He also went round the city and appreciated Ganduje’s laudable infrastructural projects, before flying back to Lagos.
