ABUJA- President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the traditional institution in the country has ‘‘lost a pillar and a role model’’ following the death of the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Kabir Umar.
Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said Buhari stated this at the burial of the late Emir in Azare, Bauchi state, on Sunday.
President Buhari, who was represented at the burial of the late Emir by a government delegation led by Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff, described the demise of the revered royal father as a painful loss.
He eulogised the traditional ruler as a fair, humble and just ruler, saying that the deceased lived a worthy and exemplary life.
“The traditional institution has lost a pillar and a role model.
“The nation has lost a far-sighted leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people,’’ he added.
President Buhari had earlier issued a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, where he condoled with the Emir’s family, friends, the people and Government of Bauchi State.
Members of the presidential delegation to the burial include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Musa Bello and the Minister of State, Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Sulaiman Hassan
Others are the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Malam Ya’u Darazo.
The late emir, who died at the age of 89 on Saturday after a protracted illness, left behind 49 children among who is Mustapha Katagum, the Yariman Katagum.
