By Peter Omopo
The late Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammad Sami (Retd.), who died last Saturday in a London hospital at the age of 81, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Zuru, Kebbi State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-powered delegation of dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, to pay their final respects. Also present were senators from Kebbi State, traditional rulers, senior government officials, business leaders, and retired military generals.
The remains of the monarch arrived at the Zuru airstrip on Friday morning aboard aircraft 5N-DOY, accompanied by members of his family and sympathisers. Shettima’s aircraft, NAF 205, landed at 1:58 p.m., shortly after the arrival of the Emir of Kano and his delegation.
Funeral prayers were conducted at the Zuru Central Mosque by the Chief Imam, Alhaji Suleiman Tanko, immediately after Jumu’ah prayers. In honour of the late monarch, shops and markets in Zuru were closed, while thousands of mourners filled the streets leading to the mosque.
The Emir was later buried at his residence in Zuru in the presence of Vice President Shettima, Sultan Abubakar, Emir Sanusi, the Emir of Yauri, Emir of Gummi, Emir of Anka, Governor Idris, and retired military officers, including Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau.
In a condolence message, Shettima described the death of the former Military Administrator of Bauchi State as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
“This is a sad day for the entire nation, for Kebbi State, and indeed for all Nigerians. I am here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey his condolences to the Kebbi State Government, the people of Zuru Emirate, and Northern Nigeria on the demise of a man who dedicated his entire life to serving the nation in the pursuit of peace and unity,” Shettima said.
He prayed for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and strength for his family and community.
The late Emir is survived by four wives and seven children.
