By Salim Yunusa
The Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora in Niger State, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, has passed on.
The monarch died at the age of 84 on Thursday after a protracted illness in an Abuja hospital.
The monarch was until his death, the Vice-Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Namaska, it was learnt ,spent 47 years on the throne having ascended to the stool in 1974 as the sixth Sarkin Sudan, Kontagora.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, has expressed grief and sadness over the death of the Sarkin Sudan, Kontagora.
In a condolence message on behalf of the Government and people of Niger State, Matane stated that with the passing of Alhaji Saidu Naska, Niger State and Nigeria as a whole has lost one of its longest-reigning monarchs, whose contributions to the peaceful co-existence of his subjects and unity among Nigerians cannot be forgotten in years to come.
The SSG described the late Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora as a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic, cultural, and religious divides to promote peace and unity not only in his domain but the State as a whole.
According to the SSG, “The contributions of late Saidu Namaska to the development of Kontagora Emirate, the entire State and indeed Nigeria are unparalleled. His life on earth was very eventful and his achievements in all spheres of life left indelible marks on the people of his domain, Nigerlites and Nigerians”.
The Government and people of Niger State expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, family of late Alhaji Saidu Namaska and the people of Kontagora Emirate, the SSG stressed.
Ahmed Matane prayed that the Almighty Allah (God) would forgive the shortcomings of the departed, remember his good works, grant his soul eternal rest as well as give his family and the people of the Emirate the much-needed strength and comfort to bear the loss
