Kogi Gov Mourns Lokoja Monarch, Promises Peaceful Emergence Of Successor

Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello yesterday led top officials of the state to the burial of the late Maigeri of Lokoja, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Maikarfi who died after a brief illness at the age of 80.

The event was attended by dignitaries from within and outside Kogi State including the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, former deputy governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, Alhaji Isa Kutepa, Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (rtd) and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Sunday Karimi.

While leading the Jana’iza prayers, the chief imam of Lokoja, Sheikh Aminu Shaban, prayed for the repose of the soul of the late monarch and asked for peace to reign in Lokoja and Kogi State.

While addressing journalists after the burial, Governor Bello described the late Maigeri as a peacemaker who left the legacy of maintaining law and order. He said, “As par the vacuum the late King created, we have our royal fathers here who know the history and process of ascending the throne of Maigeri of Lokoja and we are going to ensure that we consult very widely to ensure that it is rancour-free. My regime is known for peace and unity, several vacancies that have been filled that were rancour-free and this is not going to be an exception”.

Bello commiserated with the people of Ankpa over the unfortunate incident that left several people dead and others wounded.  He said, “ I commiserate with the families and may God Almighty Allah forgive those that have died and I want to use this opportunity to call on other tanker drivers and road users to be careful and ensure that their vehicles are road worthy before they put it on the road because we are not going to take it lightly anymore.”