Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday led the Federal Government delegation to the state funeral of the late Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (rtd), paying glowing tribute to the monarch’s enduring legacy and extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to the people of Kebbi State.
Speaking at the solemn ceremony in Zuru, Shettima described the late emir as a revered traditional ruler whose lifetime of service to Nigeria and humanity would be remembered for generations.
He said President Tinubu shared deeply in the grief of the royal family, the government, and people of Kebbi State over the passing of the monarch, who died on August 16 in London after a protracted illness.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “I am here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally convey his deepest condolences to the governor of Kebbi State, the immediate family of the deceased, the entire people of Zuru, and all Nigerians over this great loss.
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“It is a sad day for the nation as our royal father is laid to rest. His legacies will always be remembered because he used his entire life in serving the nation and humanity”, the Vice President said.
Shettima prayed for the peaceful repose of the late emir’s soul and urged continued unity and peace across Nigeria, stressing the vital role traditional institutions play in sustaining harmony in the country.
Responding on behalf of the family, the emir’s eldest son, Sadiq Sani Sami, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the show of support, noting that his late father was widely known for his humility, generosity, and commitment to community service.
“Our father taught us humility and hard work. He also impacted his community and the nation,” he said.
The late Emir’s remains were later interred in a garden within his private residence in Zuru, in line with his wishes.
Officers and men of the Nigerian Army, where he had served with distinction, rendered full military honours in his memory.
The funeral was attended by an array of dignitaries including Kebbi Governor Nasiru Idris; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III; the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; former Niger State Governor, Sani Bello; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu; former Interior Minister, Abdulrahman Danbazau; APC National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, as well as several traditional rulers and political leaders.