Insecurity in the North saddening – Emir of Zazzau

The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, has expressed sadness over widespread insecurity in the North, calling on the people to support government in the fight.

Bamalli, who said he had wished his father would become the emir instead of him, called on those behind insecurity and banditry to repent and give peace a chance.

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The emir spoke during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our reporter ahead of his one year anniversary on the stool.

While noting that all sons of emirs have the ambition of occupying the stool, Bamalli said he had never been desperate about becoming one, but wished to occupy an important office in the emirate. 

He said, “My hope was to become the Magajin Gari or Madaki. Allah knows that was my wish. 

“We thank Allah for giving us life and good health, as well as elevating our status, not because we have any power, he just decided to give us this opportunity to become successors to the throne of our forefathers. We thank Allah and pray that he gives us the opportunity to discharge our responsibilities. And to the people of Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State, we have nothing to say than to thank them.”

Speaking on insecurity, the emir called on Nigerians to support government’s efforts to end the menace.

He said, “We had a meeting with northern governors and the main purpose was on security. We talked about what is happening in Sokoto, not Zazzau Emirate alone. The thing is widespread – Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, up to Nasarawa. This is a problem that affects everybody. 

“The best solution is to turn to Allah, repent and continue to support all the efforts being made towards addressing the various challenges facing the country. 

“We know what the security agencies are facing. They are facing challenges of personnel. But the president has given the go-ahead for the recruitment of more police personnel. We are aware of this,” the emir added.