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Describe him as pillar of military valour, royal wisdom
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Kebbi State, following the death of the Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II).
The emir passed away yesterday at 81 years of age after a lifetime of public service.
According to a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the loss as significant, praising the late Emir’s legacy both as a former military governor of Bauchi State and as a distinguished traditional ruler. “Nigeria will long remember the late emir’s contributions as an administrator and revered traditional leader,” the President said.
Tinubu highlighted the Emir’s dedication to national service, noting his role as a young officer during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and crediting his leadership for bringing stability and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State.
In his condolence message, the President prayed for Almighty Allah’s comfort for the emir’s family and subjects and asked for eternal rest for the departed royal father.
•A giant iroko has fallen –Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima, has also paid an emotional tribute to the late Emir, who died in London at the age of 81 following a brief illness.
Shettima described the Emir’s passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s traditional institution and military heritage, emphasising the deep void left by a man who bridged two critical pillars of the national leadership structure.
Reflecting on the Emir’s legacy, Shettima said: “When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our traditional and military landscapes look markedly different without Major General Sami’s commanding presence.”
According to a statement by his media aide, the VP underscored that the deceased emir embodied the rare combination of military discipline, traditional wisdom and community service that defined Nigeria’s post-independence leadership generation.
“Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami was not just an Emir or a military officer; he was a symbol of how diverse forms of leadership can unite to serve a common purpose; the betterment of one’s people and nation,” he added.
He highlighted the Emir’s unique approach to traditional governance, which drew strength from his distinguished military career, saying, “His strategic thinking and disciplined approach to leadership significantly enhanced the administrative efficiency of the Zuru Emirate.”
Conveying the condolences of the Federal Government, Shettima said: “On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, myself, and the entire government of Nigeria, I express our deepest condolences to the immediate and extended families of the late Emir, his wives and children, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the entire people of Kebbi State.”
The Vice President concluded his tribute with prayers for the late Emir and words of comfort for the mourning community, saying, “I pray Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, the government and people of Kebbi State, and indeed, the entire nation, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
•He was a quintessential leader, patriot, disciplined officer –Gov Mohammed
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has also mourned the Emir’s passing describing him as a quintessential leader, patriot, disciplined officer, and devout traditional ruler, who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and humanity with uncommon courage, justice and fear of God.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the Governor said: “As the Military Governor of the Old Bauchi State, which then comprised the present-day Bauchi and Gombe states, late Major General Sami left behind indelible footprints of progress, transformation and selfless service. He is fondly remembered for his visionary infrastructural development initiatives, bold civil service reforms, and people-oriented governance that laid the foundation for the modern growth of our dear state. His tenure was marked by fairness, inclusiveness and the pursuit of justice and equity in governance.
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“In his reign as the Emir of Zuru, Major General Sami carried the same values of discipline, humility and dedication into traditional leadership. He was a monarch who ruled his people with wisdom, compassion and integrity, always guided by the fear of Almighty Allah. His legacy of peace-building, community development and bridge-building among diverse groups stands as a shining example of purposeful leadership.”
Governor Mohammed also noted that Bauchi State would forever remain grateful to the late Emir for his sterling contributions to its socio-political evolution and development. The Governor on behalf of his family, government and the good people of Bauchi State commiserates with the family of the deceased, the Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and indeed, the entire nation over the loss.
He prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the late Emir, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Major General Sami lived a fulfilled life of service, integrity and faith. His demise is a monumental loss, not only to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State, but also to Bauchi and Gombe states, and indeed, the entire Nigerian nation. We shall continue to cherish his memory and emulate his shining examples,” the Governor said.
•He was a respected traditional ruler, patriot, statesman –Kebbi Gov
In the same vein, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris equally expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Emir, describing the late Emir as a highly respected traditional ruler, patriot and statesman, who dedicated his life to the service of his people, the state and Nigeria. He further remarked that his wisdom, leadership and fatherly guidance would be surely missed.
“The passing away of His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sani Sami, is not only a great loss to the Zuru Emirate but also to Kebbi State and the entire nation. He was a bridge builder, a man of peace, and an embodiment of humility and integrity. His legacies will continue to live on,” Governor Idris said.
He prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Emir, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the people of Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, a traditional title holder of Zuru Emirate, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, Sadaukin Zuru who described the late Emir as a peace loving royal father, noted that his death was a great loss to the entire nation.
“He was a renowned military leader and traditional ruler who served in various capacities, including peacekeeping operations and as military governor in Sokoto and Bauchi states.
“He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 and held notable positions, such as Commander of the Brigade of Guards and military governor of Sokoto and Bauchi states.
“He was appointed to the throne of his ancestors in 1995 and formally ‘turbaned’ in 1996 as the successor of late Alhaji Usman Danga.
“As Emir of Zuru, he promoted peaceful coexistence, socio-economic development and preserved cultural traditions.
He upgraded the annual international cultural and agricultural festival to international standards, earning its inclusion in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria’s armed forces and Kebbi State’s security, particularly under Governor Nasir Idris. He fostered unity among multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities in Zuru Emirate.”
Sadauki Zuru added that during his lifetime, he ensured that the Zuru Emirate received its fair share of federal and state projects.
The Emir was survived by four wives and seven children, four males and three females.
