Ambassador Bamalli Gets Staff Of Office As Emir Of Zazzau

Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli has been given the staff of office as the 19th Emir of Zazzau.

It would be recalled that the 18th Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris died on the 20th September,2020 after 45 years on the throne and the new emir appointed on the 7th October, 2020

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai who gave the staff of office to the new emir explained that the appointment of Ambassador Bamalli as the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau has afforded the government  an opportunity  to redress colonial injustice.

The governor recalled that the Emir’s grandfather,  Aliyu Dan Sidi was unjustly deposed by  the colonial Governor of Northern Region, Herbert Symonds Goldsmith.

According to Mallam el-Rufai, the  handing over of the Staff of Office to  Emir Bamalli  ‘’is taking place exactly 100 years since the colonial Governor of Northern Region, Herbert Symonds Goldsmith, unjustly deposed his grandfather, Emir Aliyu Dan-Sidi of blessed memory.’’

The governor further said that the vacancy of the throne, following  the death of the 18th Emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris , also gave the government opportunity  ‘’to return to the enduring principles that guided the appointment of Emirs under the Sokoto Caliphate.

‘’Shehu Usman Dan Fodio in his seminal work ‘Bayan Wujub Al-Hijra’ was crystal clear that there are nine qualities of Islamic leadership – wisdom, learning, clemency, generosity, kindness, righteousness, patience, gratitude, and leniency which entails avoidance of harshness,’’ he explained.

Governor el-Rufai argued that  ‘’it is on the basis of due regards to these customs, rules and enabling laws that Almighty Allah chose Your Highness to be our Emir, and imposed on me the constitutional duty to appoint you. I therefore call on all those that contested the Emir-ship to accept the will of Allah and join hands with the 19th Emir of Zazzau for progress and harmony in the Emirate.’’

Governor el-Rufai appealed to the title holders, district heads, members of the emirate Council, the good people of Zazzau emirate, and indeed all the citizens of Kaduna State to rally around the new emir by extending to him their full support and cooperation in the same way they extended support  to his predecessors to enable speedy development of the Emirate and the State in general.

He however warned that his administration expects the loyalty of all persons to the emirs and Chiefs and will take firm and decisive action against any person that attempts to undermine in any shape or form, the non-partisan and noble status of traditional institution, particularly Zazzau emirate.

‘’The new traditional institution’s law will also legislate clear dynastic succession order in all emirates and chiefdoms with more than one ruling house, outline guiding principles for the recommendations of district heads, traditional council members, emirs and chiefs, for appointment, consider expanding the membership of councils, and clearer roles of the kingmakers,’’ he said.

While paying tribute to the immediate past emir of Zazzau,   the Governor noted that late Alhaji (Dr) Shehu Idris  had a most distinguished reign.

‘’ In his 45 years as emir, he was regarded as a just and fair ruler, a peacemaker par excellence, an outstanding administrator and a kind hearted leader and father.  He contributed immensely to the successes recorded by our administration, especially in the critical areas of education, preventive healthcare, peace building and mass mobilisation.

‘’ His fatherly advice and guidance in our then weekly Security Council meetings would remain indelible in our minds.  May Jannatul Firdaus be his final abode,’’ El Rufai recalled.

The governor expressed confidence that  the new emir Bamalli will consolidate on the solid foundation already put in place by his predecessor, adding that  the admirable effort the new emir is making to unify Zazzau emirate should continue, while urging him to remain open and receptive to positive contributions from all the relevant stakeholders.

In a Goodwill message, President Muhammadu Buhari urged the new emir to uphold traditional heritage of the emirate in high esteem. Represented by the Minister of Environment, Dr.Mohammed Mahmud, President Buhari said the appointment of the emir has revived traditional values not only in the emirate but Northern Nigeria as a whole.

He tasked the Emir to employ his wealth of experience to foster peace, unity and development within his domain.

After taking oath of office and allegiance, the  new emir of Zazzau, Amb.Bamalli who delivered his speech in tears, pledged to continue the good work started by his predecessors, especially the immediate past Emir, Dr.Idris.

He re-echoed his plea to contenders who contested the stool with him to come forward and lend their support for the overall development of the emirate.

He thanked the King makers, Kaduna Governor and all that contributed towards ensuring his appointment as the 19th emir of Zazzau and urged them to continue to rally round him their support.

Dignitaries who attended the installation ceremony include the Sultan of  Sokoto, Alh, Sa-ad Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji  Yahaya  Abubakar, Shehu  of Borno, Alhaji, Garbai Elkanemi, Emir of  Bauchi Alhaji Sulaiman  Adamu,  , Emir of Argungu, Alh, Ismail Mohammed Mera, Minister of Environment Dr, Mahmoud Mohammed, emirs of Rano, Muri, Keffi, Damaturu, Misau, Abaji and Nassarawa.

Others were some notable Emir’s from the Republic of Niger namely Emir of Maradi, Kance and Murya as well as the Ori of Wanna, among others several others.

The ancient city was greeted with funfair by people of the emirate and outsiders who thronged Zaria to rejoice with the new emir.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai presenting the staff of office to the new emir of Zazzua, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli.