President Bola Tinubu on Friday described the late Emir of Ngazargamu, Alhaji Ahmad Ibn-Saleh, as a symbol of unity, peace and progress, saying his legacies will remain in the people’s memory.
Tinubu stated this at the late Ibn-Saleh’s funeral where he was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, in Damaturu.
The president, however, commiserated with the government and people of Yobe over the Monarch’s death.
“We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the government and good people of Yobe State and, by extension, the North-east over the sad demise of the Emir of Ngazargamu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn-Saleh.
“May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also give the family, the government and the people of Yobe and, by extension, Borno State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Tinubu said the late emir lived a worthy life and made significant contributions to the promotion of peace, unity and development in society.
“He led a good life. He was a symbol of unity, peace and progress. He was an advocate of education as a tool for social advancement.
“He lived well and died honourably. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest,” the president said.
The late emir, also known as Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam, died on June 9 in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness.
Late Ibn-Saleh was a first-class traditional ruler in Yobe and had been on the throne for 34 years, having been appointed in 1992.
The deceased was born in 1946 in Mairari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe.
He was educated at Geidam Elementary School, Yerwa Senior Primary School, and the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He also held a Higher Islamic Teachers Certificate and Diploma in Sharia and Civil Law.
Before his ascension to the throne, he was a teacher, an Area Court Assistant Registrar, Chairman of Geidam Local Government and Commissioner for Agriculture in old Borno.
In May 2020, he was appointed Chancellor of the Yobe State University.
