President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and grief over the death of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.
In a condolence message to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the government and people of Kaduna State, President Buhari said:
“With the passing of Alhaji Shehu Idris, Nigeria has lost one of its longest reigning traditional monarchs whose contributions to the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians cannot be forgotten for years to come.”
According to the President, ”The Emir of Zazzau who ascended to the throne in 1975, had used his long reign to serve his people with dedication and identified with their aspirations at all times.”
He prayed to Allah to forgive the late Emir and grant his family and subjects the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile,the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, on Sunday afternoon led a group of Ministers and senior government officials to Zaria to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the burial of the Emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris.
On the delegation were the ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Environment, Dr. Mahmud Mohammed and that of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika. Also on the delegation was the President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu.
The team was received on arrival at the School of Aviation in Zaria by a Kaduna State delegation led by the Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i.
Conveying the condolences of the President, the Chief Staff said the late Emir had paid his dues to the nation. He said his enviable roles in nation-building and the unification of Nigerians will never be forgotten.
In his response, Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i said the people of Kaduna State have lost a caring father. He thanked President Buhari for sending a powerful delegation to the burial ceremonies.
