Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Monday paid a condolence visit to the ancient city of Zaria where he commiserated with the royal family, the emirate as well as people of Kaduna State over the demise of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, who died on Sunday at the age of 84.
The governor, according to a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, was accompanied by Senators Danjuma Goje and Saidu Ahmed Alkali.
Yahaya had earlier, in a condolence message, described the late emir as an iconic figure, legendary monarch and embodiment of humility known for championing the cause of peace, unity and mutual understanding.
“We’ve indeed lost one of our finest and highly revered royal fathers in Nigeria; a patriot, statesman and selfless royal father. Throughout his 45 years of reign as Emir of Zazzau, his royal highness was known for preaching peace and championing the course of unity and harmony, not only among the diverse people of his domain or Kaduna state but the nation at large,” he said.
Yahaya, who said the late emir left huge vacuum and indelible footprints, urged members of the royal family to sustain the legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service left by the respected monarch.
The Waziri of Zazzau, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, who responded on behalf of the emirate, thanked the government and people of Gombe State for identifying with them at their moment of grief, describing the historical ties between Gombe and Zazzau as long standing.