The Zuru Emirate Council in Kebbi State, has condemned an attack on Prof. Abdullahi Abdul Zuru, one of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioners deployed to Adamawa State to supervise the last weekend’s supplementary governorship election in the State.
Professor Zuru was attacked by a mob, who apparently mistook him for the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusu-Ari, while performing a national assignment as one of the INEC National Commissioners.
In a press statement by signed by the Emir of Zuru, HRH Muhammadu Sani Sami, the Emirate Council expressed shock over the incident, saying that it was not only unfortunate, but remains the most disrespectful and dehumanising experience a responsible and law-abiding elderly citizen could be allowed to go through, especially in the course of discharging his official duties as a responsible Nigerian.
“Thus, in very strong terms, the Zuru Emirate Council, without any equivocation, utterly condemns this barbaric and dastardly act unleashed on one of its most revered illustrious sons, great scholar, and elder. The trauma was not only torturous to the person of Professor Zuru and his family, but most embarrassing to the entire people of Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State. This is despicable and unacceptable to the people of Zuru in Kebbi State, Nigeria.
“Professor Zuru is one of the many responsible sons of the Zuru, which the Emirate Council is proud of. We are proud of his academic achievements, administrative acumen, and selflessness in service.
“This has earned him a pride of place in the minds of the people of Zuru Emirate across the nation. He is respected as an accomplished scholar, excellent administrator, responsible father, and a gentleman par excellence. Until he was appointed Commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in the North West, Professor Zuru had served, among others, as Vice Chancellor (the 8th) of the Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero.
“The soft-spoken, amiable, and gentle Professor of Chemistry, has contributed immensely to the development of Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, and Nigeria at large,” the statement said.
The incident, according to the Council, has plunged the people of Zuru Emirate into a state of worry, apprehension, and sadness.
“It is worrisome that one of our illustrious sons and the highly respected elder was allowed to undergo such a barbaric and dehumanizing experience in the hands of irritated youths in Nigeria today.
“On behalf of the entire people of Zuru Emirate, we demand an unreserved apology from the Adamawa State Government, INEC, and those it concerns. Also, we call on the Federal Government, through its revenant agencies or institutions, to expedite action towards unmasking and prosecuting the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
“Sincerely, we wish to use this medium to identify with and express our heartfelt sympathy to our dear son, father, and elder, Professor A A Zuru at such a turbulent moment in his life. Similarly, the Council commiserates with his family, students, and well wishers at this most trying time. May Allah (SWT) grant him speedy recovery and strength,” it added.
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