The Emir of Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, Alhaji Salihu Tanko, is dead.
Tanko, who died on Tuesday, in Minna, after a protracted illness, was born on April 5, 1930, in Tegina and left behind wives, children and grandchildren.
On Jan 1, 1982, he was appointed as the second Chief of Kagara with a second-Class status to succeed Alh Ahmadu Attahiru who held the position until his death in November 1981.
On 1st Nov. 1991, Alh Salihu Tanko was promoted to the rank of a First-Class Emir by the military Governor of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe.
In a statement on Tuesday, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, described the death of the monarch as a colossal loss to the Kagara Emirate and the North Central state in general.
Bello said: “We have lost a First Class Emir, a member of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, an Octogenarian and an Elder Statesman whose wise counsel has been of immense value to this administration and those before it in the state.
Also, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, expressed grief over the death of Tanko, saying the late monarch was a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic, cultural, and religious divides to promote peace and unity not only in his domain but the State as a whole.
According to the SSG, “the contributions of late Malam Salihu Tanko to the development of Kagara Emirate, the entire State and indeed Nigeria are unparalleled.
“His life on earth was very eventful and his achievements in all spheres of life left indelible marks on the people of his domain and Nigerians”.
Matane said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Niger State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, family of late Malam Salihu Tanko, and the people of Kagara Emirate.”
He prayed that Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the departed, remember his good works, grant his soul eternal rest as well as give his family and the people of the Emirate the much-needed strength and comfort to bear the loss.
Janazah Prayer was held in Kagara, headquarters of Rafi Local Government Council at 4:00 pm.
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