Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died exactly nine years ago today and some Nigerians took to social media to pay glowing tributes.
Yar’Adua had been treated for pericarditis in Saudi Arabia in 2009 and returned to Nigeria on February 24, 2010.
However, he was declared dead on May 5.
Some of those who took to social media to remember the former Katsina state governor also highlighted some of the reforms introduced by his short-lived administration.
His former deputy and successor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan led the tributes.
In a message he personally signed, Jonathan said, “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.
Read Also: Femi Adesina speaks on Buhari’s new cabinet
“President Yar’Adua was a man of integrity with a humble spirit who always took upon himself the burden of national reconciliation, peace-building, and democratic consolidation.
“He used the opportunity he had in public service to build bridges of love, foster unity and give hope to Nigerians.
“Today, I remember and celebrate him for the works that he had done. Peace he lived for and homes of peace he built. Democracy he loved and democracy he nurtured. We will always remember you for your service. A servant leader truly you remain.”
Other Nigerians also paid tributes:
Read comments monitored on Twitter below:
This day, 9 years ago, Nigeria lost a patriot and a compassionate leader in President Umaru Yar’Adua. May Allah SWT continue to shine His Noor on his face. Amin. – AA pic.twitter.com/NjqFSuygvW
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 5, 2019
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. pic.twitter.com/ty49Nl6MFY
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) May 5, 2019
President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died on this day nine years ago.He was a honest man,a true democrat,respecter of the rule of law and a humble visionary.May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.Amin.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) May 5, 2019
Today I also Remember the Selfless Stateman, A Great Loss to the nation & Katsina people's at large.
May his soul continue to Rest in Peace. Ameen! #7PointAgenda #Peace #Security & #Stability! For A Better Nation #President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua
Former President GCFR pic.twitter.com/DdDxkWRKCU
— I B R A H I M (@Sodium011) May 5, 2019
A great leader we lost 9 years ago on this day who had the zeal of seeing nigeria in greater heights RIP former President Umaru Musa Yar'adua
— Your archenemy (@Cloned_x) May 5, 2019
Today, 9 years ago Nigeria lost one of its best president.
May the soul of former president Umaru Musa Yar'adua continue to rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/RzgNNH4OWQ
— Olanrewaju David🇳🇬 (@lanredavido1) May 5, 2019
I join my fellow compatriots in the remembrance of our selfless, patriotic and a true man of integrity, President Umaru Musa Yar'adua as it clocks 9 years today that he changed mortality for immortality. May the soul of the righteous forever be reposed.
— Basit Olokuta (@Im_mr_courage) May 5, 2019
Today as we celebrate the death of a great man who was for d people and not for thieves.
1. He reduced pump price.
2. He increased minimum wage.
3. He made the Nigeria economy stable.
He was a president like no other. R.I.P President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.#UmaruMusaYar'Adua pic.twitter.com/U0APaHbtWv
— NE Anyasi 🌍 (@anyasi_emma) May 5, 2019