There was massive crowd in Zaria on Friday as the new Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, attended his first Friday prayer since he was enthroned on Wednesday.
He is the 19th emir of the ancient kingdom.
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The emir left his personal residence at Kwarbai in Zaria around 11:50am, amidst cheers by fans and well-wishers and moved to the palace, where he stayed for almost 2 hours before a delegation of palace guards, titleholders and other well- wishers accompanied him to the mosque.
Our correspondents observed that there was high security presence around the emir’s residence, the palace and the mosque as many youths trooped to have a glimpse of the monarch.
The Emir of Jama’a, Mohammed Isah Mohammed, was one of the dignitaries that attended the Friday prayer with Bamalli.
In his sermon, the chief imam of the palace mosque, Dalhatu Kasimu, called for cooperation for the new emir, adding that many people could vie for a position but only Allah gives leadership to whomsoever he wills.
Residents of Zaria expressed gratitude to Allah for a peaceful transition in the emirate, and urged the new emir to be just to all.
The emir’s aunt, Hajiya Kilishi Bamali, who spoke with our correspondent, urged him to work with those who contested for the throne along with him.
She wished him a long and successful reign.