Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, presented a staff of office to the 13th Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, at a coronation ceremony held in Dikwa local government area of the State.
Speaking during the ceremony, which was witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (rtd); Emir of Zazzau, HRH Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, among other traditional rulers from within the country and neighbouring countries, Governor Zulum said he was pleased to announce that the selection process of the Shehu of Dikwa was conducted in a peaceful and collaborative manner with the kingmakers playing a key role.
Zulum, on behalf of the State government and people of Borno State congratulated Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi over his emergence as the new Shehu of Dikwa following the demise of his cousin, HRH Alhaji Abba Tor Shehu Masta II.
He charged the new monarch to follow the foundation laid by his late cousin for the development of the Dikwa Emirate and the state in general even as he further urged him to carry the people along.
“The selection of Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, JP, CON, as the new Shehu of Dikwa, following the demise of Alhaji Abba Tor Shehu Masta II, was marked by a peaceful and harmonious process and this transition reflects the respect for tradition and the rule of law that defines the Dikwa emirate.
“I am pleased to note that the succession process was conducted in a peaceful and collaborative manner, with the kingmakers of the emirate playing a key role in identifying a suitable candidate. Throughout the process, we remained guided by the relevant extant laws and traditions of the Emirate.
“Your Highness has ascended the throne in an era marked different from that of your illustrious predecessors. These are more modern times that require your best efforts in providing leadership and direction.
“Ours is a State that has been bedevilled by years of insecurity, and the process of recovery is a collective responsibility for all, and so, you have a greater responsibility of changing the people towards the entrenchment of peace and development of the Emirate,” Zulum stated.
The governor recalled that while Borno had been battling terrorism for the last 16 years, the state had witnessed tremendous improvement in security and peace.
Continuing, the governor said, “Nigeria’s battle against terrorism in the North-East for the past 16 years is gradually coming to an end. I wish to, at this juncture, commend the efforts of the Nigerian Military, other security agencies and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as the entire people of Borno State, for their resilience and steadfastness during these trying moments. I am pleased to note that Borno State is currently experiencing a significant improvement in peace and security, making a welcome departure from the challenges of the past.”
In appreciation, the new Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, expressed profound gratitude to the important personalities from all walks of life within and outside Nigeria, who spared thier time to grace the occasion.
The monarch noted that the coronation marked a milestone in the history of Dikwa Emirate, adding that it was a thing of joy to him that the state government followed the normal procedures in accordance with the tradition that led to his emergence as the 13th Shehu of Dikwa.
He commended Governor Zulum for his synergy, capacity and sincerity of purpose, which led the way for his people to explore huge agricultural and other potential of the area.
“Let me also acknowledge the developmental projects embarked upon by the government across the state and reiterate the appreciation of the Emirate Council and the entire people of Dikwa Emirate. At this point I commend the federal government for awarding the contract for the reconstruction of Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala Road.
“However I’m appealing to the federal government to extend the construction of the road to Kala-Balge, which is the only local government headquarters that is relocating to other place during the rainy season due to inaccessible road,” the Shehu said.
The ceremony was as well attended by guests including the deputy governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators representing Borno South, North and Central Senatorial Districts; Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, and members of the House of Representatives.
Others who attended were the Emir of Fika, Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa; the Sultan of Kachalla, Mohammed Kasser; the Emir of Maroua, Abdoulaye Yerima Bakary, and the representatives of the Emirs of Bauchi, Katsina, Hadejia, Gwandu, Misau, and Kazaure.
The Emirs of Bade, Machina, Ningi, Wandali, Makare, Biu, Shani, Damaturu, Nguru, Yamaltu and members of Borno Elders Forum were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, before the ceremony, Governor Zulum had commissioned two projects, an ICT centre and a Government Lodge in Dikwa.
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