President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday congratulated the Emir of Zazzu, Dr Shehu Idris, for clocking 43 years on the throne.
The president’s congratulatory message was delivered by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who represented him at a prayer session organised by Zazzau Emirate Council in honour of the Emir at his palace in Zaria.
Buhari said the emir had 43 fruitful years not only to the people of Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State, but the nation at large.
He thanked the emir “for the fatherly role he had been playing toward promoting tolerance, understanding, as well as commitment to prevailing peace across Nigeria.
“May Allah (SWT) give you long life to see another 43 years in good health and wisdom and may Jannatil Firdaus be your final abode in view of your endless efforts toward lasting peace across the country.”
On his part, Gov. El-Rufa’i said “I have delivered the message from Mr President and now it is time to give mine.
“Your Royal Highness, as you can see today, government activities had been halted in the state, I and Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff and all Commissioners are here to facilitate with you.
“We are here to celebrate with you and to thank God for the good 43 years you spent and may you double the years in good health.”
El-Rufa’i noted that the state government had been up and doing to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
He advised the people of Kaduna State, especially those without voter cards to go and register, saying the card was the only means to elect credible leaders.
He added that “people should go and register, it is your right, even if you are not going to vote for me, go and register.
“Without the voter card, there is no way you can elect leaders of your choice.”
The governor attributed lapses in security situation in Northern Nigeria to Local Government Reforms of 1973.
He said the reforms removed the security matters from ward heads, village heads, district heads and emirs and transferred it to local government councils.
“We are now in 42nd year of this transfer, what is the result?, there is nothing more than increased insecurity and that was not the case before.’’
He also commended the emir for leading the state to organise “the biggest and ever successful Durbar to mark 100 years of existence of Kaduna.”
Responding, the emir thanked the governor over what he described as “honour not only to me and my family but also to the entire emirate.”
He urged the people of Kaduna State to rally round the present administration to enable it to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
