Tambuwal mourns late Emir of Gumel, hails 46-year reign
Tambuwal mourns late Emir of Gumel, hails 46-year reign 
From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State was in Gumel, Jigawa State on Monday to commiserate with the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council and the people of the Emirate over the passing of Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, the 16th Emir of Gumel.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker, House of Representatives, also described the late monarch as a symbol of peace, unity and development.
“For nearly 46 years on the throne, the late Emir provided exemplary leadership to his people and became one of the most respected and longest-serving traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria.
“His reign was marked by a commitment to peace, education, community development and the preservation of the rich traditions and heritage of the Gumel Emirate,” Tambuwal said.
The lawmaker further noted that the passing of the Emir was a great loss not only to the royal family and Gumel people, but also to Jigawa State and Nigeria’s traditional institution.
“His wisdom, long years of service and contributions to the development of his people will remain an enduring part of his legacy,” he added.
Tambuwal extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Emir, the Gumel Emirate Council, the Government and people of Jigawa State.
“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah grant his family and the entire Gumel Emirate the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he prayed.
The late Emir, who reigned for 46 years, was widely regarded as one of the pillars of the traditional institution in Northern Nigeria.
The late Emir who died on Thursday in Cairo, Egypt had since been buried according to Islamic rites.
He was a former Commissioner of Information, Culture and Home Affairs, in the old Kano State before he ascended the exalted throne of his fore fathers.
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, had since approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, three days after the death of his father, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, who reigned for nearly 46 years.
The appointment was announced by the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Bala Ibrahim, following recommendations by the Gumel Emirate Council kingmakers, led by the Wazirin Gumel, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Nasoro and the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs.
The selection process involved nine aspirants, with three proceeding to the final stage before Dr Lawan emerged as the preferred candidate.
Before his elevation, Dr Lawan held the traditional title of Chiroman Gumel and served as Director of Cyber Security at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He is an internationally recognized scholar with a PhD in Computer and Communication Systems Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia, an MSc from De Montfort University UK, and a BSc in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The new Emir also served for over 12 years as Head of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia.
Government officials described the new Emir as a blend of traditional authority and modern professional experience, expected to bring expertise in technology and governance to the ancient emirate.
Gov. Namadi urged Dr Lawan to build on his father’s legacies and promote peace, unity and development, while calling on the people of Gumel to support the new monarch.
His appointment ensures the throne remains in the Muhammad Sani family, which has ruled Gumel since 1944.
May the Almighty Allah grant him Aljannat Firdaus, Ameen.
