Malam Nasir El-Rufai has said that the Kaduna State Government feels a profound sense of loss at the demise of HH, the Emir of Zazzau Alh. (Dr.) Shehu Idris. He said that the state will miss his dependable counsel and wisdom.

The governor once again commiserated with the people of Zazzau Emirate. Referencing the widespread interest in the succession to the Zazzau throne, Malam Nasir El-Rufai prayed that Allah will grant the kingmakers wisdom in recommending an Emir with the qualities of Alhaji Shehu Idris.

Malam El-Rufai, who was speaking at the third-day prayer for Alhaji Idris held in Zaria today, noted that the late Emir lived a life that many mortals will like to emulate. The prayers marked the last day of the three-day mourning period announced by the state government in honour of the late Emir, with today specifically declared a public holiday.

Speaking at the event former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid tribute to the late emir for the support he received as military head of state in the 1970s and as an elected president 20 years later.

The governors of Ekiti, Plateau, Niger and Jigawa states also spoke at the event.

With the conclusion of the official mourning period, the Kaduna State Government is awaiting receipt in the next few days of the recommendations of the kingmakers of Zazzau Emirate regarding the next emir.

While the relevant institutions engage in their deliberations, the state government urges all residents to wait for official announcements and to ignore speculations, rumours and fake news.