By: John Bassey, Kebbi.
The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), on Friday received the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, in Zuru for the funeral prayer of the late Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Sani Sami, Gomo II, who passed away last Sunday in a hospital in London.
The funeral prayer, which took place immediately after the Jumu’at prayer was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, as well as the Emirs of Kano, Argungu, Yauri, Gummi, Anka, Borgu, the Etsu Nupe, and other prominent traditional rulers from across the country.
Speaking during the condolence visit, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the passing of the Emir as a great loss to the nation.
“Today is a sad day for the people of Kebbi and indeed for Nigeria. I am here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally convey his heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the Governor of Kebbi State, the family of our late Emir, the Zuru Emirate, and the entire people of the North,” the Vice President said.
He described the late Emir as an elder statesman who devoted his life to the service of God, humanity, and the nation.
“He served this country in various capacities and placed his life on the line to keep Nigeria united.
“May Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus and give his family, the Kebbi State Government, and the people of the Zuru Emirate the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
Earlier, the Emir was laid to rest at the Zuru Emir’s Palace in the presence of the Vice President, Gov. Nasir Idris, the Sultan of Sokoto, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
The Nigerian Army also paid its last respects with a military parade in honour of the late Emir who was a retired Maj.-Gen.
Meanwhile, Gov Idris had earlier directed the constitution of several committees to ensure a hitch-free burial ceremony.
These include the main organizing committee under the Zuru Emirate Council, chaired by the Chief of Wasagu, Alhaji Muktari Musa, as well as a high-powered state government delegation led by the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman.