VP Shettima urges stronger collaboration between government, traditional institutions

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for enhanced collaboration between the federal government and traditional institutions, emphasizing their crucial role in national development and social cohesion. He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to engaging traditional rulers as key stakeholders in shaping Nigeria’s future.

During a visit to Ningi Emirate in Bauchi State on Friday, Vice President Shettima expressed his condolences over the passing of the late Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammed DanYaya, and congratulated the newly installed Emir, Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya.

Shettima praised traditional rulers as custodians of Nigeria’s culture, values, and history, highlighting their significance in maintaining societal stability. “Traditional institutions are not merely symbols of our heritage; they are the backbone of our society, upholding national unity and reminding us of the strength in our diversity,” Shettima stated.

He emphasized the administration’s dedication to working closely with royal fathers to promote peace, social stability, and progress across the nation. “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, myself, and the entire government of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences for the loss of an emir who left a legacy of integrity, service, and peace. As we congratulate you, HRH Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya, on your ascension, we pledge our full support for your reign,” the Vice President said.

Shettima lauded the late Emir’s 88 years of service to the nation, noting that “not only was he the longest-reigning Emir in Ningi’s history, but he also served our nation in various capacities even before his enthronement.”

He assured the newly installed Emir of the federal government’s support and emphasized the importance of continuity in leadership. “We stand with you as partners in progress, and our doors are always open to our traditional rulers for wisdom, guidance, and advice,” he added.

The Vice President also highlighted the strong connections between the federal government and the Ningi Emirate, mentioning several Bauchi State natives serving in the Presidency, including his ADC, N.Y Sule, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media and National Emergency (Office of the Vice President), Malam Ahmed Ishaq Ningi.

Earlier, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, welcomed Vice President Shettima, describing him as a leader marked by modesty and humility. “On behalf of myself, the government, and the people of Bauchi State and Ningi Emirate, we welcome you to Bauchi State. You are here as one of the leaders of this country,” Governor Mohammed said.

He also referred to the Vice President’s visit as “a double-edged sword,” both to condole with the people and to congratulate the new Emir, Alhaji Haruna Danyaya.

In his remarks, the new Emir of Ningi expressed gratitude to Vice President Shettima for visiting to commiserate with them over his father’s death and to meet with the Emirate Council. He also thanked Governor Mohammed for endorsing the Emirate Council’s recommendation to install him as his father’s successor.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo Umar; district heads, and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, visited Kaduna State to offer condolences to the Kaduna State Government and the family of the late Hon. Justice Tanimu Zailani, former Chief Judge of Kaduna State.

Expressing his sorrow over Justice Zailani’s passing, the Vice President prayed for Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his family the strength to bear the loss.

“I am here on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who called me from China and asked me to come to Kaduna and convey his condolences to the Kaduna State Government and the family of the deceased. Justice Tanimu Zailani was a close ally of President Tinubu and myself. His death is a painful loss to us. We pray Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest.”

Justice Zailani served as the Head of the Kaduna State Judiciary and was the Chief Judge of the High Court of Kaduna State from 2013 to 2018.