September 09, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has mourned the death of the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Umaru Namaska.
The Emir reportedly died on Thursday in Abuja.
In a statement he personally signed a couple of hours after the transition of the traditional ruler, Atiku expressed shock and said the death constituted a great loss to Niger State and Nigeria.
His full message read: “From God we are and to him we shall return. The loss of the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Namaska, is indeed a great loss, not only to Niger State, but to Nigeria.
“I was shocked by the news of his death, as his death came to us at a time when Nigeria desperately needs people like him.
“I extend my condolences to the Government of Niger State and the Kingdom of Kontagora.
“I pray to God to have mercy on his soul and forgive his shortcomings.”
The Emir, who had been suffering from a protracted sickness, died about three months after gunmen invaded the monarch’s farm in Kontagora Local Government Area and slew his son and workers, before rustling a lot of cattle.
Addressed as the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Niger State, Alhaji Saidu Umaru Namaska, was 84 old and spent 47 years on the throne.
The slain son, Alhaji Bashar Saidu Namaska, was the Sardauna of Kontagora, and had been holding forth for his sick father.
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