Niger Gov, SSG mourn Emir of Kontagora

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 tranquillity 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.

On his part, the Secretary to Niger Government, Ahmed Matane, described the late  Emir of Kontagora, Sarkin Sudan Sai’du Namaska, as a bridge-builder who contributed to the peace and unity of the country.

Matane, in a statement by his media aide, Lawal Tanko, expressed grief and sadness over the death of the emir.“Niger state and Nigeria as a whole have lost one of its longest-reigning monarchs, whose contributions to the peaceful co-existence of his subjects and unity among Nigerians cannot be forgotten in years to come.

“He was a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic, cultural and religious divides to promote peace and unity, not only in his domain but the state as a whole.

“The contributions of late Sai’du Namaska to the development of Kontagora Emirate, state and indeed Nigeria are unparalleled.“His life on earth was very eventful and his achievements in all spheres of life left indelible marks on the people of his domain, Niger state and Nigerian.

“The Government and people of Niger State express their heartfelt condolences to the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, family of late Alhaji Saidu Namaska and the people of Kontagora Emirate,” the SSG stated.

Matane prayed that the Almighty Allah (SWT) would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, accept his good works, grant his soul eternal rest as well as give his family and the people of the Emirate, much-needed strength and comfort to bear the loss.

Namaska was born in Kontagora on Dec. 31, 1937, and attended Kontagora Elementary School, between 1945 and 1950, Bida middle school in 1951, and worked as forest guard with the Native Authority in 1954.

In 1957, the deceased was promoted to the post of district scribe and later appointed Area Court President in 1968 and posted to Salka, and later Mahuta in Zuru District.

As a judicial officer, Namaska attended judicial courses at the Institute of Administration, Zaria in 1962 and 1972, and  two years later in 1974, became the 6th Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora.

The emir, who died in Abuja following protracted illness, will be buried at his palace in Kontagora by 4:00 pm.