by 
Going down memory lane, I met you as a bright student.
“Mallam” you once called me,”I enjoyed your lectures”.
A sense of satisfaction I felt like a ripened grain.
Years passed and you became a lawyer.
With swift uplifting rush, we became professional colleagues.
Like the soft stars that shine at night, you became a Notary Public.
Then comes the malady you struggled with hoping to be strong for a ‘ better day’.
Your reassuring family members and friends gathered around you to give you the needed push to embrace life once more through long vigils.
You kept on trying but there was little we could do other than to offer our prayers to God (the giver of life) for His intervention.
Beyond the dark horizon, we were still hopeful for a brighter day for you.
Your beloved ones busied for a moment to make you have a beautiful end by saying your last words (KALIMAH) in silence.
Then comes the ‘HOUR’.
The HOUR that took you away from us like the silent dust.
Joy and smiles turned to anguish and tears.
We are pained by your demise.
Greatly pained are your wife, children and other family members.
‘Weep not for my sake but pray for me’ I could hear from beyond.
Prayers that comfort the weaker hearts may therein comfort you cause we believe in ‘INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN’.
Even though you may not be with us physically, you will always remain with us in spirit.
Beyond the sorrows and the tears, you will be in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years Insha Allah.
You still live in the hearts of those you have touched for nothing loved is ever lost.
We never knew your goodbye will come so soon.
We pray for the mercies of Allah (SWT) on you.
The mercies of Allah (SWT) shall heal whatever scars is left behind.
Rest in peace Dr S.S. Auta till we meet to part no more.
Associate Professor Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN,
Faculty of Law,
Department of Private and Business Law,
Usmanu Danfodiyo University,
Sokoto.
