Kebbi Emir dissolves emirate executives, appoints new leadership

The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami, Sami Gomo III.

The Board of Trustees of the Zuru Emirate Development Society (ZEDS) has dissolved the National Executive Committee of the organisation led by Air Vice Marshal Bala Salau (rtd.), with immediate effect.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Board of Trustees, chaired by the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami, Sami Gomo III, at his palace on Monday.

A statement signed by Abdullahi Idris Zuru, and made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, disclosed that the dissolution followed what the emirate described as the leadership’s “ineffectiveness and lukewarm attitude” towards peace, unity, development and security in the emirate.

The statement alleged that since assuming office in 2022, the dissolved leadership had no record of meaningful contributions to education, socio-economic development, infrastructure or security.

“The leadership has, sadly, distanced itself from the people, remaining in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos and Kano, while looking for dark spots for unpatriotic criticism,” the statement said.

It added that such conduct demonstrated “insensitivity to the plight of the people” of the emirate, particularly in the face of current security and development challenges.

The Emirate Council also accused the dissolved executives of failing to maintain regular contact and consultations with community leaders and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, the consultations were necessary to complement government efforts in addressing infrastructure deficits and security challenges confronting the emirate.

The Board of Trustees subsequently appointed Alhaji Yusuf Wade as the new National President of ZEDS and mandated the new leadership to reposition the organisation.

The new leadership is expected to focus on infrastructure development, monthly contributions from Zuru indigenes across the country, and partnerships with mining companies through Corporate Social Responsibility memoranda of understanding.

The statement said the new ZEDS leadership would pursue “inclusive, non-partisan development across all ethnic and religious communities,” in line with the non-partisan position of the Emir of Zuru.

It described the emir as “a leader and father to all,” stressing that ZEDS must work with all communities irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Wade, according to the statement, is an experienced education administrator who retired as a director in the Ministry of Education.

He also previously served as secretary to a committee of 16 professors chaired by former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on educational improvement.

Those who attended the meeting included: Major-General (Senator) Muhammad Magoro, Galadiman Zuru; Lieutenant General Ishaya Bamaiyi, Uban Yakin Zuru; Justice Danlami Zama Senchi, Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal; members of the Zuru Emirate Council; representatives of the five chiefdoms; local government chairmen and district heads.