Tambuwal Mourns Late Emir of Gumel, Hails 46-Year Reign

By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described the late Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, as a symbol of peace, unity and development whose nearly 46-year reign left an enduring legacy.

Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated this on Monday when he visited Gumel in Jigawa State to commiserate with the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council and residents over the monarch’s death.

He said the late Emir provided exemplary leadership throughout his decades on the throne and became one of the most respected and longest-serving traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria.

“For nearly 46 years on the throne, the late Emir provided exemplary leadership to his people and became one of the most respected and longest-serving traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria.

“His reign was marked by a commitment to peace, education, community development and the preservation of the rich traditions and heritage of the Gumel Emirate,” Tambuwal said.

The former governor described the monarch’s death as a major loss not only to his family and the people of Gumel, but also to Jigawa State and Nigeria’s traditional institution.

“His wisdom, long years of service and contributions to the development of his people will remain an enduring part of his legacy,” he added.

Tambuwal extended his condolences to the late Emir’s family, the Gumel Emirate Council, as well as the government and people of Jigawa State.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah grant his family and the entire Gumel Emirate the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he prayed.

The late Emir died on Thursday in Cairo, Egypt, and was subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Before ascending the throne, he served as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs in the old Kano State. His nearly 46-year reign established him as one of the prominent figures in Northern Nigeria’s traditional institution.

Meanwhile, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, three days after the death of his father.

The appointment was announced by the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Bala Ibrahim, following recommendations by the Gumel Emirate Council kingmakers, led by the Wazirin Gumel, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Nasoro, and the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs.

Nine aspirants were reportedly considered during the selection process, with three advancing to the final stage before Dr Lawan emerged as the preferred candidate.

Before his appointment, Dr Lawan held the traditional title of Chiroman Gumel and served as Director of Cyber Security at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

He holds a PhD in Computer and Communication Systems Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia, an MSc from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom and a BSc in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He also served for more than 12 years as Head of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Hafr Al-Batin in Saudi Arabia.

Governor Namadi urged the new Emir to build on his father’s legacy by promoting peace, unity and development in the emirate. He also called on the people of Gumel to support the monarch in the discharge of his responsibilities.