It is almost five decades since the people of Zaria (Zazzau Emirate) last witnessed the death of an emir. So the agony that came with such a tremendous loss and the tension that ensued as a result of waiting for a new emir to be appointed were naturally overwhelming.
After 18 days of waiting, the people finally got an emir, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as the 19th Emir of Zazzau, from the Mallawa ruling house.
The last emir from the Mallawa Dynasty was the new emir’s grandfather, Malam Aliyu Dan Sidi, who reigned for 18 years before his dethronement in 1921.
The challenge before the new Emir of Zazzau is to unite all the members of the ruling houses in the interest of Zazzau people and also to be a leader to all and treat all people fairly.
He should be like his immediate predecessor, late Alhaji Shehu Idris, who was a just leader and a father to all.
His Royal Highness is ascending the throne at a time when the North is facing serious challenges of insecurity, poverty and illiteracy despite its rich human and material resources.
It is hoped that Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli will use exposure and experience in public and private sector to ameliorate some of these problems.
Abba Dukawa