Buhari, governors, others offer special prayers for late Emir of Borgu

The late Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro 111.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in New Bussa, Niger state, joined hundreds of sympathisers to offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro 111.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the prayer session, which was led by Alhaji Muhammed Shehu, the Chief Imam of Borgu Emirate Council, was attended by the governors of Niger, Kebbi, Ogun and Zamfara states.

Others at the event included emirs and chiefs, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, federal and state government functionaries as well as friends and relatives of the late emir, who died at the age of 77 years.

President Buhari, who condoled the family of the deceased, later signed the condolence register.

“He (deceased) had been a steadfast friend who spared no effort to support us,’’ Buhari wrote in the register.

The President had earlier described the late Emir as “a great patriot and unifier who ruled the people of Borgu Emirate for many years with commendable wisdom, benevolence and an uncommon dedication to duty.’’

He commiserated with the government and people of Niger State on the death of their illustrious traditional ruler.

He said that the late Dantoro would long be remembered and honoured for his notable contributions to the development of his community, state and country.

“The late monarch was a friend and associate of many years, with whom I shared the vision of a peaceful, politically stable, united, progressive and prosperous Nigeria to which every citizen will be proud to belong.’’

Buhari said that he would forever treasure the memories of the late emir as a great patriot, indefatigable unifier and bridge-builder.

“Dantoro did his utmost best as a political leader and traditional ruler to strengthen the bonds that bind Nigerians together in the interest of national peace, harmony and progress,’’ he said.

The President prayed that Almighty Allah would receive Dantoro’s soul and grant his people a worthy successor who would build on the laudable legacies of his life of service to community and country.