Benin, Abuja, Minna, Kaduna — President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with former Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his eldest daughter, Zulaihatu, who died on Thursday.

In a condolence letter to Buhari, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty would comfort and grant him and members of his family succour from the pain of losing a beloved child who has been nurtured and raised to adulthood.

"I write to extend sincerest commiserations to you and your family on the death of your eldest daughter, Zulaihatu.

"I can well imagine the profound pain, sadness and sorrow brought upon you by the tragic loss of a beloved child whom you have nurtured and raised to adulthood.

"My heart goes out to you as you mourn Zulaihatu. I pray that God Almighty comforts you and grants you and your family succour at this very traumatic time for all who knew and loved her," President Jonathan wrote.

Also, yesterday, eminent citizens under the aegis of Project Nigeria, National Consensus Group, commiserated with Buhari over the death of Zulaihatu, who died few days before her 40th birthday rfollowing post-childbirth complications in a Kaduna hospital.

A statement by the national secretary of the group, Olawale Okunniyi, said the leaders including Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Alhaji Maitama Sule, Malam Adamu Ciroma, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Chief Audu Ogbeh among others condoled Buhari and the husband of the deceased.

In a separate statement the national publicity secretary of the CPC, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin expressed sadness over Zulaihatu's death, saying the party's condolences go to the family and friends, especially the close relations and the entire CPC family on Zulaihatu's death.

Similarly, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has joined millions of Nigerians to condole with General Muhammadu Buhari over the death of Zulaihatu.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu urged General Buhari to be consoled by the fact that it is only God that gives and takes life whenever He pleases.

In a statement signed by Aliyu's Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum enjoined the former military leader and members of his family to be encouraged by the fact that although his late daughter died at a relatively young age, she lived an inspiring and a fulfilled life.

From Benin, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole commiserated with Buhari saying "we learnt with rude shock, the death of your beloved daughter, Hajiya Zulaihatu. I wish to offer my profound condolence and the commiseration of the people and Government of Edo State.

"Our hearts are with you at this very difficult period, as the death of a beloved one can be traumatic.

"While we grieve over her death, we take solace in the fact that she lived a worthy life as a mother, an accomplished economist, a devout Muslim and a hard-working young Nigerian who did not rely on her father's name and influence to get an upper hand in life, but rather relied on her intellect and hard-work to carve a niche for herself.

"We pray Almighty Allah to grant you and the rest of the Buhari family the courage to endure the loss of HajiaZulaihatu and also pray for the repose of her soul."

Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Garbai El-kanemi who were among the early callers to the General's house, also prayed for the repose of the soul of Zulaihatu.

Other sympathisers who joined Buhari in Jumaat prayers include Sen. Kanti Bello, former military governor of Kaduna State, Col. Hamid Ali and Kaduna state gubernatorial candidate of CPC in the 2011 general elections, Mohammed Haruna Saeed.

Others include, Sen. Nazif Mohammed, CPC National Secretary, Buba Galadima, and Sen Babu Ibrahim (CPC) Katsina.

Sen. Ibrahim described the death of Zulaihatu as shocking.

"This is a sad incident for Nigeria. She died while giving birth and as a Muslim, I believe she is resting. We have nothing to do, may God grant her aljanna firdaus," Ibrahim said

Abdul-Rahman Abubakar,  Abbas Jimoh,  Aliyu M. Hamagam, Sunday Isuwa and Vincent Egunyanga