From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Saturday advised the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to follow the footsteps of his father, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, who spent his life on the throne promoting peace and unity for the country, liberation for the downtrodden and good for humanity.
The three leaders spoke at Sani Abacha stadium during the coronation of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano.
The AUTHORITY reports that it was at the arena that his late father was coronated as Emir about 58 years ago.
President Buhari spoke through a congratulatory letter read by his Chief of Staff, who is also a maternal uncle to the newly crowned Emor, Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari.
President Buhari who eulogized the virtues of the late Emir Ado Bayero, described him as a man of remarkable culture and principles, who staked his own life at several junctures in the defense of his people.
He urged Emir Aminu Bayero who doubles as the life chairman of Kano Council of Emirs to copy the example of his father.
President Buhari recalled memorebale times he shared with late Emir Ado Bayero and tasked the new Emir to remain steadfast in the discahrge of his duties.
President Buhari described the late Emir Ado Bayero as his personal friend.
“I remember with nostalgia, the passion and commitment he always exhibited in pursuit of any cause he believed in, a distinctive character that almost cost him his life prematurely on January 19th, 2013 because of his vociferous stand against Boko Haram terrorists.
“I have confidence that you would exhibit such leadership qualities and much more as you have demonstrated in the few months of your Emirship,” the President stated in th letter.
In that letter read and delivered by his Chief of Staff, President Buhari extended, “deep and wholehearted congratulations to you for your ascension to the throne of you fore-fathers as the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano from Sullubawa Clan, culminating in a well-deserved installation scheduled to take place on Saturday, 3rd July, 2021.
“Your turbaning is providential because it is happening at a time in the history of our country when prevailing social and political conditions resonate with the ascension to the throne of my friend, your late father, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
The President prayed for the success of the Emir, saying he looked forward to his contributions to uplifting the people of Kano Emirate in particular and the nation in general, assuring him of his, “total support for you to leave a sustainable legacy.”
Vice President Osinbajo who also stood in for President Buhari duirng the colourful event, described Kano as a home for all Nigerians and prayed that Emir Aminu Ado Bayero reign will add value to the people and bring about more development in the state.
Vice President Osinbajo described Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as a first class Royal Father who has a good reputation, but added that he has a difficult task ahead, while praying God to guide him through as he ascended the throne of his fore-fathers.
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described the coronation ceremony as, “momentous and historic for not only the people of Kano, but also for the people of northern Nigeria.”
Governor Ganduje recalled that the father of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the late Emir Ado Bayero reigned peacefully in Kano for over five decades, loved and admired by his subjects, and urged the newly coronated Emir of Kano to step into the shoes of his father and emulate his good and sterling qualities.
Ganduje recalled that even before Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was crowned to take over the throne of his fore-fathers, the people of Kano had predicted that he would one day ascend the throne.
He described Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as one of the few Princes who were down-to-earth and freely mingled with the down-trodden in Kano kingdom, explaining why he is accepted, loved and admired by all.
Ganduje insisted that his administration holds the traditional institution to high esteem, adding that the reason behind the creation of four additional Emirates in the state was to bring about development across the books and crannies of Kano.
The Governor also took time to advise the newly coronated Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to remain the father of all, and never to allow himself to be used by selfish and unscrupulous elements.
The AUTHORITY reports that at exactly 1 p.m. chairman of Kano Kingmakers Committee, Alhaji Yusuf N.I. Cigari (Madakin Kano), supported and assisted by Shamwkin Kano and Babban Zagi presented and decorated Emir Aminu Ado Bayero with the traditional regalia.
Shortly after that, the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen administered the Oath of Office on the Emir, followed by presentation of Staff of Office by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which was heralded with several traditional gun salutes.
In his acceptance speech, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, promised to run an open door policy and lead his subjects with the fear of God.
He described the day as a historic day and thanked God for giving him the opportunity to inherit the throne of his fore-fathers, adding that his ascension to the throne was not because he was the best, but because God had destined him to become the king.
He also traced his choice as the king, as a result of the discipline he inherited from his fore-fathers, while praying God to grant them eternal rest and a place in Paradise.
Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, however, commended and praised Governor Ganduje for making himself available to be used by God to crown him the Emir of Kano.
The Royal Father also prayed God to bless Kano and Nigeria, just as he advocated for ensuring peace, unity and security in the country.
Emir Aminu Ado Bayero also thanked President Buhari for his fatherly advise and prayed that God grant him the wisdom to make Nigeria great and better.
The First Class Emir, however tasked his subjects and Nigerians to remain obedient to constituted authorities, while praying for good health and against the outbreak of strange diseases.
He also re-emphasized the need for people to be obedient to God and supportive to the needy, while promising the people that, “I will operate on open-door policy. I will always open my ears and listen to my subjects. I will be steadfast to ensure that whatever belong to my people are given to them.”
He, however, urged parents and guardians to take the education and health of their children very seriously, pointing out that there was need to always monitor their children to ensure that they don’t engage in social vices.
The Royal Father reminded politicians and leaders that someday, they would give account of whatever they have done, while urging them to ensure equity and justice while carrying out their duties.
He finally appealed to Nigerians to shun ethnic, religious and tribal sentiments, urging them to promote love and unity so that the country will be great again.
The AUTHORITY reports that among those who accompanied the Chief of Staff on the the President’s delegation to the event included Ministers of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, Water Resources, Engineer Sulaiman Adamu, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu and Yusuf Buhari, the President’s son.
Among Governors who attended the occasion include Lagos, Zamfara, Bauchi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi and Katsina states.
Top traditional rulers who graced the occasion include the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, Oba of Benin, Obi of Onitsha, among others.
