Wife of Former Prime Minister Tafawa-Balewa, Jummai, is Dead

Hajiya Jummai Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the only surviving wife of first Prime Minister, late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, is reportedly dead.

Family source disclosed that she was taken to India to seek medical attention for her heart disease before she was later discharged some days ago.

It was further learnt the late Hajiya Jummai died in Lagos in the early hours of Sunday after a protracted illness.

Granddaughter of the late Prime Minister, Hajiya Hajara Yakubu Wanka, confirmed the development.

She said Jummai died of cardiac arrest.

Wanka said the deceased had stopped over in Lagos to rest before returning to Bauchi.

According to her, she passed away in the early hours of Sunday after she went into a coma.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday commiserated with the  family of the late prime minister.

He also directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to make available an aircraft from the presidential fleet for the evacuation of her remains.

Buhari’s condolence message, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, was sent through the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

The statement read, “It was with the deepest sense of sorrow that I have learnt of the tragic demise of Hajiya Jummai Tafawa Balewa. In her sad demise, Nigeria has lost an outstanding political figure, who was passionately committed to the cause of the family and the legacies of her late husband.”