President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State on the death of Emir of Dikwa, Shehu Abba Masta II, the second highest ranking traditional ruler in Borno Kingdom.
In a condolence message to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, the government and people of Borno State, Buhari said: “The death of the traditional ruler came at a time when his services were badly needed in the country.”
Describing the late Emir as a gentleman who worked for the welfare of his people, the president said: “The contributions of the late Emir of Dikwa to unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country were remarkable and Nigeria will miss his services.
“May Allah forgive his gentle soul, and reward his noble deeds with aljanna. May Allah grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
The Borno State government on Saturday confirmed the demise of the first class traditional ruler.
The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Babakura Abba-Jato, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Maiduguri.
Abba-Jato said the first class traditional ruler, who was in his mid-70s, passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja of yet-to-be disclosed ailment.
“Born in 1946, the late Shehu was appointed as the Shehu of Dikwa after the creation of another emirate out of the then Dikwa Emirate in 2008.
“A season school administrator, civil servant and politician died in a private hospital after a protracted illness,” he said.
He said the remains of the deceased was expected in Maiduguri from Abuja.
The late Shehu left behind wives, children and many relatives.
The commissioner said that Governor Babagana Zulum, cut short his official engagements in Southern Borno in honour of the departed monarch.
Zulum prayed to Almighty Allah for the repose of his soul, his family and the entire Dikwa Emirate fortitude to bear the loss, as the royal father’s death was a loss to the entire state and the country at large.
independent.ng
