NIGERIA: Traditional Institutions ‘Irreplaceable’, Says Shettima as Gumel Emir Marks 45th Anniversary

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s traditional institutions, describing them as “irreplaceable pillars that outlive every political tenure.”

He made the declaration on Friday at the 45th anniversary celebration of the Emir of Gumel, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani II, alongside the commissioning of the Gumel Central Mosque in Jigawa State.

He said: “I am quite glad to be back home. Gumel is home. Founded in 1750 by Danjuma, this Emirate has a rich history. When Danjuma died in 1754, he was succeeded by his son, and our royal father who is celebrating his 45th anniversary as the Emir of Gumel is the 13th Emir of Gumel. He is a graduate of Political Science.

“He was a Commissioner in the cabinet of the late former governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, before he was elevated to the throne of his ancestors. May Allah continue to bless him with good health and may his reign be long.”

Shettima emphasized that while elected office holders serve a maximum of eight years, traditional rulers remain the closest leaders to the grassroots, serving as custodians of history, culture, and communal stability.

He also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, lauding his role as a unifying figure constantly “criss-crossing the country building bridges.”

The Vice President noted: ” He (Sultan) is a symbol of our unity. Last week, he was in Kaduna. Hardly a week passes without the Sultan criss-crossing the length and breath of this country building bridges. Your Eminence, we are very grateful to you. May Allah bless you with sound health and long life.”

The Vice President further commended Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, describing the milestone as surpassing what all 18 northern states achieved collectively.

Governor Namadi, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for honouring the occasion and reaffirming his commitment to Jigawa’s development.

The Sultan of Sokoto used the occasion to advocate unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among Nigerians, praising both the Emir and the Vice President for their commitment to peace and national cohesion.

Other dignitaries who graced the celebration are the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu; Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Aminu Usman, and the Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Dangaji.

Others include the Emir of Machina, HRH, Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama; Emir of Dutse, HRH, Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, Emir of Hadejia, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; members of the Jigawa State Executive Council, and some members of the National Assembly, among others.