President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled Governor Babagana Zulum of
Borno over the resent demise of two monarchs.
The Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Ibrahim Kyari Ibn El-Kanemi and Emir of Biu,
Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha respectively died on April 27 and September 13,
2020.
Presenting the letter of condolence Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Minister
of Education, Adamu Adamu, who led the federal government delegation
disclosed: “We’ve to commiserate with government and people of Borno
state over the death of our emirs in Bama and Biu.
“We’ve the mandate of the President to present letters to him; but
before then, I would like to appoint someone to pray on their behalf.
“I’ve the permission of President to read this in council. His
Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno state,
Government House, Maiduguri.
“I write to condole your Excellency, the government and people of
Borno state on the death of emirs of Bama and Biu.”
According to him, such a double tragedy, is especially painful for the
people of Borno state and Nigeria at large.
He said their contribution to keeping the peace and stability in their
respective emirates, particularly in wake of recent years of violence
and disturbances caused by Boko Haram.
“We’ve been appreciated by the Government and people of the state,” he
said, noting that the emirs’ exemplary leadership is worthy of
emulation.
Continued; “We all mourn the deaths of these emirs. May God accept
their worship, forgive and admit them into paradise.
While presenting the condolence letter, Adamu, who was led with
Ministers of State for Agriculture; Works, Power and Housing, Mustapha
Baba Shehuri and Abubakar Aliyu called for a two-minute prayers for
deceased monarchs at the council chambers.
On Boko Haram insurgency, he said: “I would like on behalf of all
well-meaning Nigerians to thank you for the commitment, devotion and
the courage to overcome this battle.
“We would like to pray to change the situation, so that what obtains
now in the state, will be changed.
“In particular what you’re doing sir, is giving hope to Nigerians.
We’ve not seen a Governor doing and taking so much interests, risking
his own life, and then going after the danger that faces his people.
He said the issue of Boko Haram remains largely in an unknown
quantity, as there are too many forces involved.
“We hope the Federal Government will have the right and power to dig
and know what is happening by providing a solution that will be
permanent.
“Your Excellency, we congratulate you for what you’re doing.”
In his brief response, Zulum said: “Let me on behalf of the Government
and people of Borno state convey our appreciation to the President and
Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu
Buhari, through his delegation our sincere appreciation for
sympathizing with us over the demise of our eminent emirs, the Shehu
of Bama and emir of Biu.
The President, according to Zulum, has personally called and condoled
him, the Shehu of Borno, as well as the families of the late Shehu of
Bama during his demise.
“We’ve also presented his condolence to the larger community of the
state,” adding that; it is because of the coronavirus (COVID-19)
period that the delegation couldn’t come to Borno state.
“The President has personally called the three of us and condole the
government and people of the state over the demise of the Shehu of
Bama,” said Zulum.
He said the coming of federal government delegation shows an important
mark in the history of Borno state.
He added that besides the telephone conversation with the President,
he sent a three-member powerful delegation to condole him.
“We also pray that their gentle souls should rest in perfect peace,”
he said, adding that may God forgive and admit them into paradise.
He also condoled the Ministers of Education, and Works, Power and
Housing, Adamu, Shehuri and Abubakar D. Aliyu over recent deaths of
their relations in Azare and Damaturu.
