Buhari's famous supporter Mama Koko who donated N1m to his campaign dies at 95

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari's most famous supporter during the last elections the 95-year old Fatima Koko from Kebbi State who donated her widows mite to his campaign handing over her life savings of N1m has died.

 

In January last year, Mama Koko gave President Buhari the cash while he was on a campaign tour in her state, adding that it was her way of trying to make Nigeria a better place. Yesterday, the Kebbi State government announced her death and President Buhari has already paid tribute to the lady popularly known as Maitalle Tara.

 

She reportedly waited nine hours in Kebbi early last year to donate the money to President Buhari during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally. President Buhari's spokesman Femi Adesina, described Mama Koko as a woman with a good heart, who stood by her convictions, and gave sacrificially.

 

He added that President Buhari condoled with the family and relations of the deceased and urged them to take solace in the fact that their matriarch lived to a ripe old age. In addition, President Buhari commended Mama Koko’s conviction and sacrificial giving, urging Nigerians to learn from her good example.

 

President Buhari said: “She gave practically all she had towards our campaign and although well advanced in age, she still believed a new Nigeria was possible and followed her conviction with action. What generosity of spirit and what tenacious faith in her motherland, so Nigerians, old and young, have a lot to learn from her.”

 

While noting with delight that Mama Koko saw the beginning of the change she had long yearned for, the president said the onus was now on all Nigerians to ensure that the change gets entrenched and solidified for generations yet unborn to benefit from. He added that the life of the departed will serve as a standard to imitate in the service of God, humanity and country.