Former Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, describing him as a colossus whose exit has created a vacuum.
Alhaji Shehu Idris died on Sunday after a brief illness at the age of 84. He has since been buried in Zaria, Kaduna state according to Islamic rites.
Speaking in a statement he signed on Sunday, Makarfi, who was former national caretaker chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said, “I have received with shock and sadness, but also with total submission to the will of Allah, news of the death of our father, His Highness Alhaji Shehu Idris, Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, earlier today.
“The late Emir of Zazzau was no doubt a colossus, the loss of whom has certainly created a vacuum, not only in Kaduna state, but the entire country, that will be difficult to fill. Not only was he a man and leader that was at peace with himself as he was with all that he interacted with, he lived peace and exuded it. To him, no sacrifice was too much to make for the peace of his people and all.
“During my time as Governor of Kaduna state between 1999 and 2007, I benefitted immensely from his wise and fatherly counsel, especially at those times that we were trying to navigate through turbulent waters.
“His contributions to deliberations at the Security Council meetings, at which he was almost always present and punctual, were always incisive, laden with wisdom and a genuine desire for peaceful coexistence amongst the people of the state.
“In the late Alhaji Shehu Idris, Nigeria, nay humanity has lost a pillar, from the life and times of whom we should draw invaluable lessons in decency, respect for all, sacrifice and humility despite privileged backgrounds.
“As I pray to Almighty Allah to forgive and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, I also convey my most heartfelt condolences to his family, the Zazzau Emirate Council, Kaduna State Council of Chiefs and the government and people of Kaduna state. I also pray to Allah (SWT) to grant us all the fortitude to bear this loss,” Sen. Makarfi added.
