President Muhammadu Buhari, Saturday, commiserated with the government and people of Borno State over the death of Emir of Dikwa, Dr. Shehu Abba Masta II, the second highest ranking traditional ruler in Borno Kingdom.
The monarch passed on at a private hospital in Abuja earlier in the day after an undisclosed ailment, and his remains were scheduled to be flown home before the end of Saturday for burial.
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, His Deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur, other top government functionaries and eminent citizens were in Biu Local Government Area of Southern Borno attending the coronation of a new Emir, HRH Umar Mustapha Aliyu, who succeeded his father who died late last year.
In his condolence message to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, the government and people of Borno State, President Buhari said: ”the death of the traditional ruler came at a time when his services were badly needed in the country.”
A release issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Buhari described the late Emir as a gentleman who worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people.
“The contributions of the late Emir of Dikwa to unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country were remarkable and Nigeria will miss his services,” Buhari said.
“May Allah forgive his gentle soul, and reward his noble deeds with aljanna. May Allah grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the President prayed.
The late Emir, Dr. Abba Tor Shehu Masta II, was appointed the Shehu of the newly created Dikwa Emirate by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff towards to end of his second tenure in March 2010.
His instalation split the 100-year-old Dikwa Emirate into two, namely: Bama and Dikwa Emirates. The old Dikwa Emirate was made up of four local government areas: Bama, Ngala, Dikwa and Kala-Balge with 24 districts with the palace in Bama town.