Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has described the death of his first son, Hassan Abdullahi Sule, as a test from God.
Governor Sule stated this yesterday while receiving condolences at the palace of his father, the Sarkin Gude, in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ibrahim Addra, had confirmed Hassan’s death, saying that the deceased died on Thursday night after he was discovered unconscious in front of his apartment and taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.
Condolence messages have since poured in for the Nasarawa State chief executive from President Muhammadu Buhari, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, among other eminent Nigerians.
Citing copiously from the holy Qu’ran, the governor pointed out how God promised to test the faith of every believer.
“I see this as a test from God. I was the person consoling somebody that lost his nine children and 70 cows yesterday. And today God decided to test me, to see whether I was sincere in consoling that bereaved father,” Governor Sule said.
He described his late son as a calm, disciplined and obedient young man who treated his siblings equally and with mutual respect.
“He grew up carrying all his siblings along. It is only God that has the power to take him away.
“He was the one taking decisions on our businesses. He is always on hand to advise me on what next to do, saying my schedule will not allow me to run any business.
“God took him away to test my resilience and faith. God didn’t seek my advice when He gave Hassan to me and he will not seek my advice when he takes him away,” he stated.
Since the news of the passing of the late Hassan, Gudi, the country home of the governor, has turned into a Mecca of some sort, with prominent personalities trooping in to commiserate with the Nasarawa first family.
Among the early arrivals were the first executive governor of the state and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura.
In a vote of thanks, the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), on behalf of the Sarkin Gude, HRH Alhaji Sule Bawa, appreciated all those who attended the funeral rites of the late Hassan Abdullahi Sule.
The late Hassan Abdullahi Sule died at the age of 36, leaving behind a daughter and a pregnant wife. He was buried in Gudi according to Islamic rites.
