As Nigerian Muslims continue to mourn the demise of Sheikh Abubakar Giro Argungun, many have eulogised the prominent Sheikh describing him as a man of the people for the people.
WikkiTimes reports that Sheikh Giro died on Wednesday in Argungu after a protracted illness. A rare huge crowd attended his burial.
However, in a podcast episode, DailyTrust reports that many testified to the deceased’s contributions towards the propagation of Islam over the years in Nigeria and West Africa, a unique legacy peculiar to him.
Engineer Attahiru Adamu, the National Deputy Director of the JIBWIS Social Media said the late Sheikh was a loss not just to Nigerians but Africans.
“He was a great pillar to African Muslims. Even Muslims of the Shi’a sect condoled his death. He was ever ready to attend to the needs of people. What made him stand out amongst other Sheikhs was his unmatched sympathy towards people. He was a good ambassador of the Izala group,” he said.
Attahiru further said Sheikh Giro will be missed for his immense support and contribution offered annually during the Hajj pilgrimage exercise.
He added that many on Giro’s burial ground have testified that there hasn’t been such a large crowd since the burial of late former Governor of Kebbi Shehu Kangiwa in 1981.
For Imam Garba Alyollawy, an Abuja-based cleric, Giro was a strong believer in the Izala movement and that has helped him in propagating Islam throughout Africa.
“He has lived a long and fulfilling life. Mallam had a lot of influence, even President Tinubu condoled with the bereaved. He has been into daawah for long and his honesty helped in passing the message of Islam.”
He added that Giro has left a vacuum that cannot be filled but he has impacted a lot of people.
“He has left a big vacuum but he has impacted a lot of people too. He is one in a million. Not even his children can fill that gap,” he said.
