Tinubu, Govs, ACF Mourn As Zuru Emir Dies At 81

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Northern Governors, and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have mourned the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II), who died at the age of 81.

The emir’s master of ceremony, Alhaji Muhammed Abba (Kakakin Zuru), who is also the general manager of Kebbi Radio Service, confirmed to LEADERSHIP on Sunday.

Abba said the emir was born on October 24th, 1943, and died at the age of 81 on Saturday night at a London hospital.

Late Sani Sami Gomo II died and left behind four wives, seven children, and many great-grandchildren.

His body will be conveyed from London to his hometown, Zuru in Kebbi State, on Sunday for burial arrangements according to Islamic rites, which his family members will announce.

Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, who has been in London to see him since last week, will lead the family members in conveying the emir’s corpse back home.

In his condolence message, Governor Idris extended his condolences to the entire emir’s family, the people of Zuru emirate, Kebbi State, and the country for the loss on behalf of the government and people of Kebbi State.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of the Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II).

The President described the death early today of the retired general and onetime military governor of Bauchi State as a significant loss for the country.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, President Tinubu said Nigeria would long remember the late emir’s contributions as an administrator and revered traditional ruler.

As a young military officer, the Emir of Zuru also served Nigeria during the Civil War (1967-1970).

The President acknowledged the late royal father’s sterling leadership, which helped bring stability and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State.

Northern Govs Mourn Emir of Zuru, Major General Sani Sami

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II), who died at the age of 81.

In a condolence message issued in a statement by his Director General on Press Affairs, Isma’il Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya, on behalf of the forum, described the late Emir as a highly respected monarch, patriotic leader, and elder statesman who dedicated his life to serving Nigeria, both in military and traditional capacities.

The Governor fondly recalled the Emir’s illustrious military career, particularly his impactful tenure as the Military Administrator of the old Bauchi State, where he played a significant role in driving development across the state.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Rtd.), Emir of Zuru, a former Military Governor of the old Bauchi State. Sami died after a brief illness.

LEADERSHIP reports that Sani Sami served as Military Governor in the old Bauchi State between January 1984 and August 1985.

Governor Mohammed, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, described the late emir as a “quintessential leader, patriot, disciplined officer, and devout traditional ruler” who served Nigeria and humanity with exceptional courage, justice, and the fear of God.

He said the deceased left behind a lasting legacy of transformation and selfless service during his tenure as Military Governor of the old Bauchi State, which included present-day Bauchi and Gombe.

ACF Mourns Emir Of Zuru, Celebrates IBB At 84

The apex northern sociocultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two towering figures from Northern Nigeria, the Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (rtd), Gomo II, and the renowned politician and businessman, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who passed on aged 82 and 89 respectively.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF described the deceased as illustrious sons of Northern Nigeria who had left behind enduring legacies in leadership, service, and community development.

According to the Forum, their deaths represent a significant blow to the region’s rich historical and contemporary heritage.

ACF Praised the late emir of Zuru, describing him as a shining product of the Zuru Emirate, a land the ACF described as a breeding ground for both traditional and modern warriors.

In the same breath, the Forum mourned the passing of Alhaji Ibrahim, a foremost businessman, politician, and philanthropist whose contributions spanned several decades of Nigeria’s post-independence journey. Ibrahim was a notable member of the Board of Trustees of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and later that of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The ACF described him as “principled and enigmatic,” highlighting his deep-rooted commitment to the North’s development and his reputation as an international businessman of repute. The Forum credited him with having played a key role in frustrating the infamous 1984 attempt by the then military regime to abduct Umaru Dikko from London — a feat that underscored his fearless defence of the rule of law.

In its tribute, the ACF extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Governments and people of Kebbi and Nasarawa States, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Prayers were also offered for the peaceful repose of the departed, asking Allah (SWT) to grant them Aljanna Firdaus.

Meanwhile, in a separate release, the ACF celebrated the 84th birthday of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), former Head of State and one of its life patrons.

The Forum described IBB as “a national hero, military strategist, political icon, and one of the key architects of modern Nigeria.”