Former President Of Nigeria Rtd General Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness towards the death of Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Idris.
Obasanjo in a letter to Alhaji Ibraheem Bashar Ameenu through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Monday stated that Alhaji Shehu Idris was one of the most admirable apostles of inter-ethnic understanding.
Obasanjo Recalled that in 1979, Alhaji Shehu was honoured with the nation’s third most distinguished national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR Due to his patriotism and Fairness to all Objectivity.
Akinyemi quoted obasanjo saying: “His style of leadership which was characterised by fairness to all, objectivity, moderation and a burning commitment to the development of his Emirate and the nation at large, had impacted most positively on the polity.
“His style of leadership which was characterised by fairness to all, objectivity, moderation and a burning commitment to the development of his Emirate and the nation at large, had impacted most positively on the polity.
“He was one of the most admirable apostles of inter-ethnic understanding and cohesion; inter-religious accommodation and tolerance and inter-cultural co-operation. The contemporary metropolitan colouration of his Emirate, without compromising our indigenous traditions and culture, was visible proof of his eventful reign thus far.
“I had occasion to call on him when I was the President to mediate on the Plateau issue of farmers and herdsmen.
“Indeed, the Emir will long be remembered for his peaceful reign during which several manifestations of physical and human development were recorded in the Emirate. His vigorous promotion of the educational development of his subjects as well as his vast knowledge of traditional administrative lore and culture will be greatly missed.
“Little wonder that only four years on the throne way back in 1979, he was deservedly considered for and honoured with the nation’s third most distinguished national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.
“I pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest, give you and his people the courage to bear the heavy loss and provide a worthy successor to the late Emir.”
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