By Abdulkareem Haruna

It was a day of mourning for the people of Borno state on Monday, Sep 25, as thousands gathered at the GRA home of one of Borno’s respected elder statesmen, Alkali Ka’Shehu Imam, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, September, 25.

Imam is the father of popular Borno politician, Mohammed Imam, the CEO of Blue Seal Services Limited.

Top amongst the mourners were the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who flew into Maiduguri alongside the Governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni, the minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, and a host of other National Assembly members.

VP Shettima whose presidential plane landed in Maiduguri at about half past 4 Pm, arrived at the family home of the Imams a few minutes after 5 pm when the remains of the respected elder statesman and revered Islamic cleric were prayed for in a funeral service attended by the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence Abubakar Garbai Allamin Elkanemi, before conveyance to Maiduguri central cemetery for burial.

VP Shettima described the death of the deceased elder as a colossal loss to the people of Borno state and Nigerians at large.

β€œWe lost a colossus; we lost a strong pillar of Borno and nee northern Nigeria,” Shettima said in a tribute. Baba Imam has left a void that would be very difficult to fill. Alhamdulillah, even though we are going to miss him, he died at the ripe age of 100 years. We are mourning him, and we are also celebrating his life of service to God and humanity. May Alla grant his soul eternal rest in Jannatul Fir Dausi. And may Allah console his family and the good people of Borno state in general, and nee northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Alkali Ka’Shehu Imam was an incredible man, one time Chief Imam of Borno State, and also one of the very best scholars who lived a remarkable and blissful life. Those who celebrate him said, β€œhe left an impressive legacy of Islamic scholarship and worship of God that will never be forgotten.”

His three days post internment prayers willbe heldd on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.