Former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has described the death of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahir Usman Bauchi, as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the global Muslim community.
In a tribute issued on Friday, Makarfi said the passing of the distinguished cleric came as a shock, noting that although Muslims submit to the will of Allah, the pain of losing such a spiritual figure is profound.
He said Sheikh Dahir Bauchi lived a long, impactful life devoted entirely to the service of Allah, adding that the cleric’s death should be seen not only as a moment of grief but also a time to celebrate a life of fulfilment and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship.
Sanetor Makarfi highlighted the late scholar’s decades-long leadership of the Tijjaniyyah order, his annual Qur’anic exegesis in Kaduna since 1980, and his establishment and funding of hundreds of Qur’anic schools across the country.
He described Sheikh Bauchi as a unifying voice whose teachings promoted peace and harmonious coexistence.
According to him, the cleric’s vast knowledge of the Qur’an, Islamic theology and jurisprudence made him an institution whose influence touched millions within and beyond Nigeria.
Recalling his personal relationship with the scholar, Ahmed Makarfi said Sheikh Bauchi’s private guidance and counsel were invaluable during his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State between 1999 and 2007.
He extended condolences to the late scholar’s family, both biological and spiritual, the Bauchi State Government, the Federal Government, the Nigerian Muslim community, and all who were touched by his teachings.
The former Governor prayed for Allah to grant Sheikh Dahir Usman Bauchi eternal rest in Aljannah and give the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.
Umar Usman Tsiga
