President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi state, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II), describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, who was also a retired military officer and one-time military governor of Bauchi State, died in the early hours of Sunday, aged 81.
In a condolence message made available by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the late Emir would be remembered not only for his service as a soldier during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) but also for his distinguished contributions as an administrator and revered traditional leader.
He commended the monarch’s decades of sterling leadership, noting that his efforts brought peace, stability, and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi state at large.
“As a young military officer, the Emir of Zuru also served Nigeria during the Civil War (1967-1970).
“The President acknowledges the late royal father’s sterling leadership, which helped bring stability and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State”, the statement said.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late emir’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to comfort his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the people of Kebbi state in their moment of grief.
…Northergovernors mourn
In a similar tribute, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has joined the president and people of Kebbi state in mourning the death of the Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami, fondly known as Gomo II.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Forum, its chairman and governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the late monarch as a patriotic Nigerian, a disciplined military officer, and a revered traditional ruler who devoted his life to the service of his people and the nation.
Governor Yahaya recalled the emir’s distinguished military career, particularly his remarkable contributions as the military governor of the old Bauchi state, where he spearheaded significant development initiatives that left lasting impact on the state’s growth.
He further said the emir’s unwavering dedication to peace and progress within his domain, noting his active involvement in the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, where he provided wise counsel and played a stabilising role in regional affairs.
“The passing of His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami, is a huge loss not only to Kebbi State but also to the entire northern region and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor said.
On behalf of the northern governors, Yahaya extended sympathy to the Zuru Emirate Council, the royal family, and the government and people of Kebbi State, urging them to uphold the legacy of leadership, service, and integrity that the late emir embodied.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the departed monarch, reward his good deeds, and grant him eternal rest in Aljannat Firdaus.