Niger Gov, Etsu Nupe Mourn Late Emir of Kontagora, Saidu Namaska

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Senator Sani Musa and the Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar have expressed shock over the demise of the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, who passed on to the great beyond in Abuja on Thursday.

They described the deceased who was the longest reigning monarch in Niger State as a peace loving, friendly and accommodating traditional ruler.

Governor Bello in his condolence message to the people of Kontagora Emirate charged the people to accept the demise of Alhaji Saidu Namaska as an act of God, saying it is God who gives and takes.

The governor in the message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel Berje, said “the deceased Emir was so much an asset to the entire people of Kontagora Emirate owing to his fatherly role to all.”

Bello also acknowledged that the late Sarkin Sudan “served humanity with all sincerity, commitment and dedication,” pointing out that the Emir would be greatly missed for his wise counsel.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in his condolence message said he had lost a confidant and an adviser with the death of the Sarkin Sudan.

Alhaji Abubakar said the late Emir showed love to people who live in his domain, irrespective of their tribe and religious inclinations, saying the deceased was a “Godly man, who has the interest of his subjects at heart above any other interest.”

He described the death of the Emir as “a monumental loss” to the people of the state and the nation at large, adding “especially now that the country desires pious and trustworthy community leaders that would preach and dwell on things that can promote peace and tranquility as well as foster the unity of the country.

The Senator representing Niger East Senatorial Zone, Senator Sani Musa, in his condolence message said the passage of Alhaji Namaska had created a void in the traditional and social lives of Niger State that would be very difficult to fill.

According to Musa, in the 47 years that the deceased was on the throne Kontagora Emirate witnessed tremendous socio-political development, adding that the “Emirate stands as one of the most peaceful emirate in the state.”

The federal legislator observed that late Namaska was loved by indigenes and settlers and prayed for God to grant him eternal rest.

The remains of Alhaji Saidu Namaska were interred in Kontagora according to Islamic injunction with prominent Nigerians in attendance.