By: John Bassey, Kebbi.
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, has described the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, as a leader of integrity, clear communication, empathy, accountability and adaptability, saying the traditional title of Zannan Borno bestowed on him was based entirely on merit.
The Shehu stated this on Tuesday when the Governor’s media aides, led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Maiduguri.
He said Governor Nasir Idris had built trust and confidence among people irrespective of their tribe, religion or background, adding that his kindness, compassion and commitment to humanity were among the reasons the Borno Emirate Council decided to honour him with the prestigious traditional title of Zannan Borno.
The monarch said preparations were underway for the turbaning ceremony, which, he noted, would be organised with the participation of dignitaries from Borno, Kebbi and beyond.
Recalling his visit to Kebbi State for the Argungu International Fishing Festival, the Shehu said he had expressed satisfaction with the support and care he received from both the Borno and Kebbi State governors.
The Shehun Borno also described the relationship between the Borno and Gwandu emirates as cordial and rooted in mutual respect and historical ties.
He noted that the traditional relationship between the Gwandu Emirate and the Shehu of Borno represents a bond of mutual respect, historical parity and high status within Nigeria’s traditional institutions.
According to him, while Gwandu emerged from the 19th-century Sokoto Caliphate and Borno represents the ancient Kanem-Borno heritage, both institutions continue to serve as important pillars of Islamic and cultural leadership in Northern Nigeria.
Providing historical context, the Shehu explained that Gwandu was founded around 1805 by Abdullahi dan Fodio, the brother of Shehu Usman dan Fodio, and served as the administrative capital of the western half of the Sokoto Caliphate.
He further explained that Borno’s history dates back to the millennium-old Kanem-Borno Empire. He noted that in the early 19th century, Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi defended Borno and established the line of Shehus, thereby preserving its distinct political and spiritual identity.
The Shehu appreciated the visit by the Kebbi State Government media team, saying it would further strengthen the relationship between the people of Kebbi and Borno states.
He disclosed that the Borno Emirate has 59 district heads across the state’s 27 local government areas, with 16 districts under his direct authority, as well as 596 village heads. He also noted that Borno shares borders with three neighbouring countries: Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.
Responding, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, thanked the Shehu of Borno for his continued support and goodwill towards Governor Nasir Idris and his administration.
“We are here to seek your royal blessing and fatherly support. Our governor asked us to extend his gratitude to you and the entire people of your domain, as you have always been there for him in supporting his administration and governance,” the Commissioner said.
