By Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, on Sunday, presented staff of office to the newly appointed Shehu of Dikwa, Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi.
Gatekeepers News reports that Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar emerged as the 13th Shehu of Dikwa following the demise of the late monarch, Alhaji Mohammed Ibn Shehu Masta II.
The ceremony attracted the presence of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi; the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Fika, Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa and the Emir of Lafiya, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage and other top traditional rulers from across the country.
Speaking after the presentation of the staff of office to the Shehu at a ceremony held at the palace in Dikwa town, Zulum stated, “The selection of Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar ElKanemi, JP, CON, as the new Shehu of Dikwa, following the demise of Alhaji Abba Tor Shehu Masta II, was marked by a peaceful and harmonious process and this transition reflects the respect for tradition and the rule of law that defines the Dikwa emirate.”
The Governor added, “I am pleased to note that the succession process was conducted in a peaceful and collaborative manner, with the kingmakers of the emirate playing a key role in identifying a suitable candidate. Throughout the process, we remained guided by the relevant extant laws and traditions of the emirate.”
According to the governor, “Your Highness has ascended the throne in an era markedly different from that of your illustrious predecessors. These are more modern times that require your best efforts in providing leadership and direction.
“Ours is a State that has been bedevilled by years of insecurity, and the process of recovery is a collective responsibility for all, and so, you have a greater responsibility of changing the people towards the entrenchment of peace and development of the emirate,” Zulum stated.
Zulum recalled that while Borno had been battling terrorism for almost 16 years, the state had witnessed tremendous improvement in security and peace
He said, “Nigeria’s battle against terrorism in the North-East for the past 16 years is gradually coming to an end. I wish to, at this juncture, commend the efforts of the Nigerian Military, other security agencies and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as the entire people of Borno State, for their resilience and steadfastness during these trying moments. I am pleased to note that Borno State is currently experiencing a significant improvement in peace and security, making a welcome departure from the challenges of the past.”
Meanwhile, before the ceremony Governor Zulum commissioned two projects: an ICT centre and a Government lodge in Dikwa.
