The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two distinguished sons of Northern Nigeria the Emir of Zuru, Kebbi State, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (rtd), Gomo II, and frontline politician and businessman, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim.
While the emir died at the age of 82, Alhaji Ibrahim passed on at 89.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba on Sunday, the forum described the deaths as a great loss to Northern Nigeria and the nation at large, noting that both men lived exemplary lives of service, leadership and patriotism.
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“Each had achieved excellence in their sojourn in life, with enduring legacies worthy of emulation. With these deaths, Northern Nigeria has again lost two illustrious sons who had distinguished themselves in service to the nation, the region, and their communities,” the statement read.
The late Emir of Zuru, Major General Sani Sami, joined the Nigerian military in 1962 and fought gallantly during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
He rose through the ranks to hold several key positions, including Commandant of the Brigade of Guards and Military Governor of Bauchi State. Upon retirement, he ascended the throne as Gomo II, Emir of Zuru, where he continued to serve his people with dedication.
Alhaji Ibrahim was hailed as a prominent politician, international businessman, and philanthropist. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and later the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was also a passionate promoter of sports and was widely regarded as a principled leader with an unwavering commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria.
In political history, he was often credited with playing a significant role in frustrating the attempt by the military junta to abduct exiled politician Umaru Dikko in the 1980s, an episode that reinforced his reputation as a defender of democracy and rule of law.
The ACF extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, the governments and people of Kebbi and Nasarawa states, and Nigerians at large, praying for the repose of their souls in Aljanna Firdaus.