I got help to rule Nigeria from late Zazzau Emir – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and five state governors were among thousands of people who participated in the three-day prayer for the late Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris in Zaria.

The governors were Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Simon Lalong, Plateau; Abubakar Bello, Niger; Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa, and host Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

• Emir of Zazzau: An apostle of peace, inter-ethnic cohesion-Obasanjo
• El-Rufai and the next Emir of Zazzau

The prayer session, held at the palace of the emir, was also attended by many Emirs and Chiefs from across the country.

The prayer was conducted by the Chief Imam of Zazzau Emirate, Malam Kasim Dalhatu; Sani Aliyu, Limamin Kona, and Sarkin Ladanan Zazzau, Malam Yiskini, among others.

In his condolence message, Obasanjo said he was in Zaria not to mourn but celebrate the late emir whom he described as his friend, confidant and adviser.

He said the reign of the former emir coincided with the period he started government as military head of state, and that when he came back as elected president, the late emir helped him tremendously.

“I remember a particular problem I had in Plateau. I had nobody to help me in mediation and reconciliation, sorting out the age-long problem.

“The emir was a reconciliator and a man of peace; a man who showed no discrimination either ethnically, religiously or socially,” he said.

Obasanjo said, “Whether we like it or not, short or long; sooner or later, we have to depart. My prayer is that the life of peace he has lived and the peace that descended in Zazzau Emirate during his reign may continue to pervade the Emirate, Kaduna State, and the whole of Nigeria.”

Similarly, Fayemi, who is the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, said the delegation, on behalf of Nigeria governors, was at the palace to pay their respects and condolences.

In the same vein, Lalong, Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, said the late emir was a father to all and his death was a great loss to the nation.

Earlier, Governor el-Rufai said “The state government benefited from the wealth of the emir’s experience because he worked with over 20 past governors of Kaduna State,” he said. (NAN)