By Victor Ahiuma-Young
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, has endorsed the leadership of Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, describing him as an excellent leader worthy of emulation.
The monarch also affirmed that the prestigious traditional title of Zanan Borno, recently conferred on Governor Idris, was well deserved, citing the governor’s good leadership, generosity and cordial relationship with the people of Borno.
A statement by the Special Adviser, SA, Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, Yahaya Sarki, said the Shehu made the remarks when the Kebbi State Government media team, led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Maiduguri.
He commended Governor Idris for his performance in Kebbi State as well as his hospitality and support for Borno indigenes residing in the state.
According to the monarch, Governor Idris has consistently demonstrated respect and concern for him and other Borno people living in Kebbi.
“I say it everywhere that my governor and the Governor of Kebbi have taken very good care of me. I don’t have any problem. You have to thank him on my behalf,” the Shehu said.
He described Governor Idris as “an excellent person” and a leader whose conduct and commitment to the welfare of the people deserved to be emulated.
The monarch further expressed appreciation to Governor Idris for accepting the Zanan Borno title, saying the honour reflected his positive relationship with Borno and its people.
He disclosed that the Borno Emirate would, Insha Allah, invite Governor Idris to a grand ceremony to formally celebrate the title, with governors, traditional rulers, district and village heads, friends and other dignitaries from Borno and other states expected to attend.
The Shehu also conveyed greetings and appreciation to the Emir of Gwandu, the Emir of Argungu and the late Emir of Zuru, retired General Sani Sami, while highlighting the longstanding cordial relations among the traditional institutions.
Reflecting on the historical ties between Borno, Sokoto and Gwandu emirates, the monarch explained that Borno State has 27 local government areas, with 16 under his emirate. He added that the emirate has 59 district heads, seven emirs, 596 village heads and thousands of ward heads.
The Shehu also lamented the devastating consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State, stressing that the insurgency was not indigenous to the state.
He expressed concern over the loss of traditional and community leaders, insecurity in Maiduguri and the wider disruption caused by the insurgency.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, said the delegation visited the Shehu to pay homage before embarking on an advocacy visit to key institutions and important projects across Borno State.
He explained that the Kebbi State Government media team had earlier visited Abuja, Kano and Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with major media organisations and showcase the achievements of Governor Nasir Idris’ administration in its three years in office.
The commissioner was accompanied by the governor’s media aides, including Alhaji Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; Alhaji Aliyu Bandado Argungu, Special Adviser on New Media; Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali, Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation; Alhaji Abubakar Idris Zuru, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; and Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.