Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Nigeria’s traditional rulers, describing them as highly respected institutions that play a vital role in fostering peace across the country.
He gave the remarks on Friday in Zuru, Kebbi State, during the funeral of the Emir of Zuru, retired Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami, who passed away on 16 August in London after a prolonged illness. Representing President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, Shettima said the late monarch’s legacy of service to the nation and humanity would remain unforgettable.
“I am here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to personally convey his deepest condolences to the Governor of Kebbi State, the immediate family of the deceased, the entire people of Zuru and all Nigerians over this great loss. It is a sad day for the nation, the people of Kebbi State and for all Nigerians as our Royal father is laid to rest. His legacies will always be remembered because he used his entire life in serving the nation and humanity. We will always remember him. May God grant him Aljannatul Firdausi and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Shettima said.
The Vice President further prayed for unity across all parts of Nigeria, assuring the people of Zuru that the President stands with them during this time of grief.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sadiq Sani Sami, the eldest son of the late Emir, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and respect for traditional institutions. He described his father as a man of humility, kindness, and generosity who left an indelible mark on his community and the nation.
The Emir was buried in a garden within his private residence in Zuru, in accordance with his wishes and Islamic rites. Officers and men of the Nigerian Army paid their final respects to their former commander, honouring him with full military tradition.
Among the dignitaries present were Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasiru Idris, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and former Niger State Governor, Sani Bello. Others included the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu; former Interior Minister, Abdulrahman Danbazau; APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu; as well as numerous traditional rulers.
