Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel Emirate, three days after the death of his father, the former emir.
The appointment was announced on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bala Ibrahim, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Dutse.
Ibrahim said the governor approved the appointment after consultations with the Gumel Emirate Council and kingmakers, in accordance with the Jigawa State Emirate Council Law.
“Following due consultations with the Gumel Emirate Council, kingmakers, and in accordance with the Jigawa State Emirate Council Law, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the new Emir of Gumel,” the SSG said.
He said the appointment took immediate effect to fill the leadership vacuum created by the death of the former emir and ensure peace, stability and continuity within the emirate.
According to the SSG, the new emir previously served as Ciroman Gumel during his late father’s reign and had gained considerable experience in the affairs and traditions of the emirate.
“Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani previously served diligently as the Ciroman Gumel during the reign of his late father. His experience, education and deep understanding of the traditions of Gumel make him eminently qualified for this exalted throne,” Ibrahim said.
He added that Lawan’s previous role had given him a strong understanding of the challenges facing the emirate and the aspirations of its people.
“Having served as Ciroman Gumel, Dr Lawan is not new to the people. He understands the challenges and aspirations of Gumel and Jigawa State at large. Government is confident he will provide purposeful and exemplary leadership,” he said.
Governor Namadi urged sons and daughters of Gumel Emirate to support the new monarch and work with him towards sustaining peace and development.
The SSG also prayed for the repose of the late emir, assuring residents that the state government remained committed to protecting the role of traditional institutions as custodians of culture and unity.
Ibrahim disclosed that the governor would present the staff of office to the new Emir of Gumel at a ceremony to be announced in due course.
“In due course, His Excellency will present the staff of office to the 17th Emir of Gumel in a ceremony befitting his status. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with government for a hitch-free event,” he added.
