Some prominent Nigerians have felicitated Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli over his successful emergence as the new Emir of Zazzau.
In a message signed by Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna State governor, Wednesday announced the appointment of the new emir after weeks of apprehension, 17 days since the stool became vacant.
Mr Bamalli succeeds Shehu Idris, the 17th Fulani emir of Zazzau who reigned for 45 years before his death on September 20.
Princes from three of the four dynastic lines of the emirate jostled for the post with four of them believed to be the front-runners.
President Muhammadu Buhari, in his message, wrote: “I congratulate you on making history by becoming the first emir from the Mallawa ruling house in 100 years. You deserve the appointment and I am confident you will justify the confidence reposed in you.”
According to the President, “While you bask in the glory of the moment, I want you to be the leader to all and treat all your people fairly in the performance of your duties.”
“This is a challenging moment and therefore, I want you to use this opportunity to unite all members of the ruling houses for the interest of your people,” he advised Amb. Bamalli.
“May Allah grant you wisdom and guidance in the discharge of this responsibility,” President Buhari added.
Also, Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress national leader, has congratulated the new emir.
In a statement by his media office signed by Tunde Rahman, Mr Tinubu, who is a former Lagos governor, also commended Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai for making a good choice.
He said: “Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli is a prominent diplomat, tested administrator and a first-class traditional title-holder. I congratulate him on his appointment as the 19th Emir of Zazzau.
“My congratulations also to Governor Nasir el-Rufai for making a prudent appointment.
“As Magajin Garin Zazzau, Ambassador Bamalli distinguished himself as an excellent high chief of the Zazzau Emirate, just as he performed brilliantly well as top diplomat, serving Nigeria as Ambassador to Thailand.
“Like his immediate-past predecessor, Alhaji Shehu Idris, who died last month after 45 years on the throne, Ambassador Bamalli is also a highly detribalised Nigerian and a friend of all. I urge him to continue in that fashion and consolidate on the tremendous gains recorded by the late Emir.
“As the first Emir from the Mallawa Ruling House in 100 years, the burden of history is on Emir Bamalli. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant him divine wisdom, guide and protect him so he can steer the ship of the Emirate successfully.”
Moreover, Ahmad Lawan, President of the Nigerian Senate, congratulated Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli on his appointment as the 19th Emir of Zazzau.
In his message signed by Ola Awoniyi, Special Adviser (Media), the Senate President also congratulated the state authorities and particularly the people of Zazzau Emirate for the peaceful and smooth transition after the painful exit of their 18th Emir.
Lawan prayed that the reign of the new Emir like that of his predecessor will enhance peace and development in Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State and justify the trust and confidence that his people have expressed in his character and ability through his selection and appointment.
The Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in his congratulatory message to the new traditional ruler, wished him a successful and peaceful reign.
The new Emir who was born in 1966, studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He holds Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Diploma in organizational leadership from Oxford University, UK. He is also a fellow on conflict resolution of the University of York, United Kingdom.
