Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has paid glowing tribute to the late Emir of Zuru, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Sami, during the traditional ruler’s state burial in Zuru, Kebbi state.
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has paid glowing tribute to the late Emir of Zuru, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Sami, during the traditional ruler’s state burial in Zuru, Kebbi state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the traditional ruler passed away on Saturday, Aug. 16, in a hospital in London after a protracted illness.
Shettima, who led the Federal Government’s delegation, extended President Bola Tinubu’s deep condolences to the state government and family of the deceased.
According to the Vice-President, the legacies of the royal father will always be remembered.
He also noted that traditional institutions in the country are revered for the role they play in sustaining peace across the country.
Shettima told the people of Zuru that President Tinubu identifies with them at this moment of grief over the loss of the late emir.
“I am here at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, to personally convey his deepest condolences to the governor of Kebbi State, the immediate family of the deceased, the entire people of Zuru and all Nigerians, over this great loss.
“It is a sad day for the nation, the people of Kebbi State, and for all Nigerians as our royal father is laid to rest.
” His legacies will always be remembered because he used his entire life in serving the nation and humanity. We will always remember him.
“May God grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. ”
The Vice-President also prayed for sustained unity in all parts of Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the late monarch, Sadiq Sani-Sami, thanked President Tinubu for his show of support and respect for the traditional institution.
Sadiq noted that his late father was known for his kindness and generosity, saying, “Our father taught us humility and hard work. He also impacted his community and the nation.”
The remains of the late Emir was later interred in a garden within his private residence in Zuru according to his wishes.
Officers and men of the Nigerian Army, who were on ground, paid their last respect to their former boss in line with military tradition.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral included Gov. Nasiru Idris of the state; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III; the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the former Governor of Niger State, Sani Bello.
Others are: Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu; former Interior Minister, Abdulrahman Danbazau; National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, traditional rulers, among others. (NAN)