By: John Bassey, Gusau.
Governor Dauda Lawal has honoured 19 Emirs recognizing 11 as the leading Emirs base on their history and 8 as the supporting Emirs presenting them with the staff of office and official vehicles in recognition of their invaluable contributions to his administration and the growth of Zamfara State.
The coronation and presentation ceremony took place at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, the state capital.
Following their oaths of office, Governor Lawal presented staff of office to 11 first class emirs and eight second class emirs.
Each newly coronated emir also received a GAC ULTRA SUV (2025/2026 model), a MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicle and an EV ANTIQUE MODEL car (DDP). The vehicles are intended to support their travels and help them engage more closely with their communities.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal said the ceremony reflected his administration’s recognition of the traditional institution as an enduring part of society and an important partner in promoting peace, stability and development.
He noted that the ceremony also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to giving traditional rulers the recognition and institutional support they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
He said, “The staff of office being presented signify the authority entrusted to the Emirs by the State,”.
“It also represents a responsibility to govern your respective domains with fairness, wisdom, integrity, and compassion.
“I expect every emir to carry out their responsibilities without discrimination, uphold justice, and ensure that the traditional institution remains accessible to all members of the community.
“Our people must find guidance, fairness, and reassurance in their traditional rulers.
“Recognising the importance of royal palaces as centres of traditional authority and community engagement, I reaffirm our commitment to completing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces.
“This is part of our broader effort to strengthen these institutions and improve the conditions in which traditional rulers carry out their responsibilities.
“We are also providing official vehicles to the 19 emirs. These include GAC ULTRA SUVs (2025/2026 models), MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicles, and EV ANTIQUE MODEL cars (DDP).
“This provision is intended to facilitate travel across your respective emirates, encourage closer engagement with your communities, and improve coordination with government institutions.
“I expect these vehicles to be properly maintained and used responsibly in support of your official duties.”
The governor also urged the royal fathers to build a productive partnership between their emirates and the State Government.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged the newly coronated emirs to remain fully loyal to the authority. He also encouraged them to respect and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution as they discharge their duties.
Also speaking, Emir of Kaura Namoda, Major General Sanusi Muhammad Ahmad Aisha(Rtrd) and Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Sani commended Governor Dauda Lawal for honouring the Emirs with staff of office.
They noted that, since the creation of the state and after the military regime, no governor has considered it necessary to present a staff of office to Emirs till Governor Lawal decided to correct the error.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, the Etsu Nupe and the Emir of Gwandu.
The ceremony ended with assurance of unity and peace across the 14 LGAs of the state.
