Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (file photo)
‘The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubarkar, is a humble man to the core, who has the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians at heart’
By Mohammed Usman
Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has described the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, as a bridge builder, peacemaker and a beacon of hope for the less-privileged Nigerians.
Babangida made the commendation at a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the Etsu Nupe on the throne and the 71st birthday at the weekend.
He said that his subjects would not forget him for his ability to unite them and bringing development to the Bida Emirate.
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Represented by the former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), Babangida said that the 20 years on the throne of Alhaji Yahaya Abubarkar as the Etsu Nupe saw to the peaceful co-existence among all residents of the emirate irrespective of religious, tribal and regional configurations.
“The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubarkar, is a humble man to the core, who has the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians at heart. I am praying that Allah grant sound health for him and longevity”, Babangida said.
Also, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State appealed to traditional rulers in the state and across the country to stand up for their role as custodians of culture and tradition of Nigerians and guide leaders aright through their advice whenever they try to go astray.
Governor Bago, who pledged to continue to give listening to the advice of traditional rulers in the state, prayed for divine guidance for the Etsu Nupe to sustain his tempo of piety, patriotism and philanthropic gestures.
Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, sought for prayers for leaders at the federal, state and local government levels for God to guide them aright.
“This is to enable them discharge their responsibilities diligently.
“The Etsu Nupe and I myself are both 20 years on our respective thrones. He is God-sent to salvage Nupe people. So, I am urging all the Nupes both at home and in the diaspora to support Alhaji Yahaya Abubarkar, the Etsu Nupe,” he said.
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