Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has expressed grief over the death of the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska.
Bello in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje in Minna on Thursday, described the traditional ruler as a man of peace who ensured peace and tranquility in his emirate throughout his reign.
The governor said the deceased was an asset to the entire people of Kontagora emirate due to his fatherly role to all.
“The death of a loved one is painful more so, the death of a father, no matter how long he must have lived,” he said.
He said that the deceased served humanity with all sincerity, commitment and dedication, pointing out that he would be greatly missed for his wise counsel.
“Sarkin Sudan was an asset to us in Kontagora emirate, he served humanity with commitment and patriotism, while he was alive.
“Losing him will create a vacuum, but I am consoled by the fact that whatever Allah does is right.
“All we need to do now is to pray for Allah’s forgiveness for his soul and to grant him Aljanna Firdausi,” he said.
He prayed Allah to give the entire family, Kontagora emirate and associates of the deceased the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Reports said that the emir died after a protracted illness in Abuja on Thursday.