Commercial and social activities were brought to standstill in Zuru town of Kebbi State when Vice President Kashim Shettima, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Emir Kano, Alhaji Sunusi Lamido Sanusi, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris converged to pay their last respect to the late Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammad Sani Sami rtd.

The late Zuru traditional ruler passed away on Saturday night of August16 at a London hospital at the age of 81 years and was committed to mother earth in his personal house in Zuru, seven days after his death.

The remains of the Emir conveyed in an aircrafts marked 5N-DOY touched ground at Zuru Airstrip at about 11:43a.m. on Friday, with Governor Idris, wives of the deceased and children while Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sunusi Lamido Sanusi who led the delegation of traditional rulers landed at about 12:00p.m.

The Vice President Kashim Shettima’s aircraft marked NAF 205, who represented President Bola Tinubu arrived at about 1:58p.m and proceeded to the Zuru Central Mosque, where the funeral prayer was held for the late Emir.

All markets and business centres in Zuru town were shutdown while major streets and roads linking to the Mosque were overcrowded with people.

The Chief Imam of Zuru town Central Mosque, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad-Tanko led the funeral prayer for the late Emir immediately after the two raka’at of Jumu’ah prayer.

The Vice President, Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, Emir of Yauri, Emir of Gummi, Emir of Anka governor Idris and Lt Gen. AbdurRahman Dambazau (rtd) were at the grave yard where the Emir was buried in his personal residence.

While condoling the family at the late Emir’s personal residence, Vice President Shettima described the death of the former Military Administrator of Bauchi state as a great loss to the entire nation.

In his short speech, Shettima said: “This is a sad day for the entire nation, this is a sad day for the people of Kebbi State and indeed for the entire Nigerians.

“I am here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey the condolences of Mr President to the Kebbi State Government, the entire Northern Nigeria and the people of Zuru Emirate over to the demise of a man who spent all his life to serve the entire nation and to facilitate peace and unity,” he said.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late emir’s shortcomings, give the family, the Kebbi State Government and its people the fortitude to bear the loss.

Other personalities at the funeral included Estu Nupe, Alhaji Yahyah Abubakar, Emir of Kangara, Alhaji Muhammad Attahiru, former governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Nasamu Dankingari, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu among others.

Senator Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District and his colleagues were also in the ancient town to honour the late Emir.

A statement signed by Malam Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, said that the late Emir left behind to mourn him, four wives and seven children.

Tinubu, Northern monarchs pay last respect as Zuru Emir is buried