Usman Farouk, former North-Western State Governor, dies at 85

The first Military Governor of the defunct North-Western State, Alhaji Usman Farouk, has died early Friday morning at the age of 85.

He died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe at about 1:00 am where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

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According to a family source, his funeral prayer will be held at the Emir of Gombe’s palace at 4:00 pm on Friday.

Usman Farouk, a retired Commissioner of Police, was a governor of the defunct North-Western State, comprising present Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi and Zamfara states from 1967 to 1975 during the regime of then Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

He left office after late General Murtala Mohammed took power in a coup on July, 29 1975.

Farouk was turbaned as Jarman Gombe in 1995 by late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar.

He was survived by three wives, 23 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Buhari reacts

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoles with the family, friends and associates of the first Military Governor of North Western State over the passing of the retired Commissioner of Police.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, on Friday afternoon, Buhari also extends condolences to the government and people of Gombe State, observing that their eminent son and Jarman Gombe, dedicated his life and energy to the unity of the country.

Buhari also noted Alhaji Faruk’s commitment to the development of his community even after retirement, stressing that he remained an epitome of kindness and humility.

As the remains of the former crack police detective and author are interred Friday, the President prays that Allah will comfort all who mourn the octogenarian statesman and accept his soul.