Buhari, Lawan, Tinubu greet new emir of Zauzau

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the new Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and advised him to be leader of all.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday had named Bamalli as the19th Emir of Zazzau.

Bamali succeeded Alhaji Shehu Idris, who died Sunday, September 20, 2020.

Bamalli’s emergence followed the cancellation of the selection process following some alleged irregularities and exclusion of some qualified aspirants from the process.

Bamalli was one of the three contenders initially nominated for the post.

The President in a statement said, “I congratulate you on making history by becoming the first emir from the Mallawa ruling house in 100 years. You deserve the appointment and I am confident you will justify the confidence reposed in you.

“While you bask in the glory of the moment, I want you to be the leader to all and treat all your people fairly in the performance of your duties.

“This is a challenging moment and, therefore, I want you to use this opportunity to unite all members of the ruling houses for the interest of your people.”

He prayed to Allah to grant him the wisdom and guidance needed to discharge his duties.

Also,  Senate President Ahmad Lawan in a statement described Bamalli’s appointment as well-deserved and expressed hope that “the new Emir will meet the high expectations of the revered office and justify the trust and confidence that his people have expressed in his character and ability through his selection and appointment.”

He commended the state government and the Zazzau Emirate for the peaceful and smooth transition after the exit of their 18th emir.

National Leader All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Asiwaju, also commended Governor el-Rufai on Bamali’s choice.

Tinubu said, “Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli is a prominent diplomat, tested administrator and a first class traditional title-holder. I congratulate him on his appointment as the 19th Emir of Zazzau.

“My congratulations also go to Governor Nasir el-Rufai for making a prudent appointment.

“As Magajin Garin Zazzau, Ambassador Bamalli distinguished himself as an excellent high chief of the Zazzau Emirate, just as he performed brilliantly well as top diplomat, serving Nigeria as Ambassador to Thailand.

“Like his immediate-past predecessor, Alhaji Shehu Idris, who died last month after 45 years on the throne, Ambassador Bamalli is also a highly detribalised Nigerian and a friend of all. I urge him to continue in that fashion and consolidate on the tremendous gains recorded by the late Emir.”

A frontline contender for the royal seat, Malam Munir Ja’afaru, has accepted the choice of Bamalli as emir and has congratulated the monarch.

Ja’afaru said, “It is with deep sense of gratitude to Almighty SWT that I learnt of the appointment of Magajin Garin Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as the new Emir of Zazzau by Governor Nasir Ahmed el Rufai.”

“May Allah SWT guide, lead and direct his actions on the throne, and usher in peace and prosperity,” the prince said.

A statement from the state government said Governor el-Rufai congratulated the new monarch on his appointment and wished him a peaceful reign.

It stated, “Until his appointment as Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli held the title of Magajin Garin Zazzau and served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Thailand, with concurrent accreditation to Myanmar. He has been a permanent commissioner in the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission in 2015.”

It also said the new emir had worked in the banking sector as executive director, and later acting managing director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Corporation (NSPMC).

“He was a staff of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency before a stint as head of Human Resources at MTel, the mobile communications arm of the old Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

“Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli studied law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and holds a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy and a diploma in organisational leadership from Oxford University. He is also a fellow on Conflict Resolution of the University of York, United Kingdom (UK),” it said.

Ambassador Bamalli is a direct descendant of Malam Musa Bamalli, the flag bearer and first Fulani Emir of Zazzau, who ruled from 1804 to 1821.

His father, Nuhu Bamalli, held the position of Magajin Gari (the second most important princely title in the Zazzau Emirate) for 40 years.

Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli acted in the capacity of Magajin Gari, representing his father in public functions for 20 years. He was appointed to the position in 2001, following his father’s death.

He is a direct descendant of the Islamic scholar and founder of the Fulani Empire, Usman Danfodio, from his mother’s side.

His mother is the daughter of Abdulrahman Dikko, and the great granddaughter of Sultan Aliyu Babba and Sultan Muhammadu Bello, as well as Shehu Usman Danfodio.