Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Ogun counterpart, Ibikunle Amosun have expressed sadness at the death of the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero describing him as an epitome of peace and national unity.
In a statement by Felix Ofou, Press Secretary to Uduaghan, the Governor noted the bold sacrifices and courage exhibited by the late monarch to maintain relative peace in Kano even in the face of threats by insurgents and at great risk to his life.
“Even at great risk to his life and threat by insurgents, the late Royal Majesty stood defiantly against religious extremism and helped to maintain peace in Kano which is the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria.
“Our revered royal father was not cowed; neither did he retreat when his convoy was shot at. He also intervened where necessary to ensure that peace and the unity of the country was not in any way compromised,” he said.
Uduaghan recalled with nostalgia and fond memories how the late Emir received him and the entourage from Delta State in the ancient city of Kano in 2007, noting that the encounter and warm reception accorded him would remain indelible in his mind.
“Because of his personal commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria, the late Alhaji Ado Bayero welcomed us to the ancient city of Kano. He related to me like a son and I accepted him more like a father,” he added.
Governor Uduaghan particularly noted the late monarch’s support for President Goodluck Jonathan and efforts to combat the scourge of Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in the country.
“I am sure President Goodluck Jonathan will greatly miss the wise counsel and intervention of the late Emir. He was a pillar of support to the Federal Government as well as other forms of lawful authority in the country, “he enthused.
Uduaghan therefore expressed condolences to the government and people of Kano State, the Ado Bayero family, President Jonathan and Nigerians at large and prayed God to grant all the fortitude to bear the loss.
Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, also expressed his condolences to the government and people of Kano State, the State Emirate Council and Nigeria in general on the exit of the foremost traditional ruler.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun described Bayero as one of the revered traditional rulers in Nigeria, who preached peace and believed in the
unity of the country.
“The death of Alhaji Ado Bayero is regrettable because, even at his age, he was in the vanguard of efforts to curb the activities of insurgents in the North.
“As a royal father, he was committed to the development of his people and Nigeria as he deployed his influence to foster peace and attract development to the emirate and by extension, the State as a whole. We can only hope that his colleagues will follow the good work he started.
“The royal father also devoted his wealth and life to the propagation of Islam. He would be solely missed,” the governor said.
Amosun, who commiserated with the family of the late Monarch and his Council of Chiefs, urged them to take solace in the fact that the late Emir led an exemplary life and left his prints in the sands of times
through his unwavering stance in the propagation of Islam.
Amosun prayed to Allah to grant his soul eternal rest and Aljannah Firdaus.
In a statement by Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Theodore Orji Orji of Abia State, he described late Bayero as a focused leader who he said promoted peace, unity and good neighbourliness amongst Nigerians during his lifetime.
Governor Orji who said that the death of Emir of Kano is a great loss to the nation, added that his wealth of experience is needed at this time of the nation’s history.
He implored the immediate family members of the late Emir of Kano to take solace in the fact their breadwinner lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.
“My heartfelt sympathy first goes to his immediate family members he left behind, the government and good people of Kano State. I pray that his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has also extended his condolences to his Kano counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano Emirate Council and the good people of Kano over the sad demise of the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero.
Nyako described the death of the Emir of Kano as a monumental loss to the Nation. Speaking at the sidelines of the APC meeting in Port Harcourt, the Adamawa State Governor described the late Ado Bayero as a true man of peace and an icon.
He recalled the several advices given to him by the late Emir both during his days in the Military and now as a politician.
Governor Murtala Nyako joins several other Nigerians in praying for the late Emir. He prayed to Allah to grant him aljanna fiddausi. Governor Murtala Nyako will depart Port Harcourt for Kano to join millions of Nigerians in commiserating with the Government and People of Kano.
