By Muhammad Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Some youths have attacked Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris, at the inauguration of Nasir El-Rufaa’i, the new state governor of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
It was gathered that the youth stoned the emir and his convoy at the venue, chanting in Hausa language “Sabon Sarki Sabon Gwamna”, meaning – new Emir, New governor.
It took the intervention of police personnel to tear gas the youths in an attempt to disperse them from the venue.
The emir was alleged to have supported Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the last elections.
Dr Shehu Idris was whisked away by security operatives after the swearing-in to avoid physical attack on his convoy by the youth.
It was gathered that, the emir was invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony by the immediate past administration of Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who was the organiser of the event.
One of the youth at the event, Haruna Gambo, said “The emir of Zazzau is a PDP member and not our traditional ruler.
“The emir is partisan, we expected him to be father to all in Kaduna state, but he chose to support PDP openly against our candidate.
“So why is he coming to attend this inauguration?. We believe, the emir will learn his lesson from today to be father to all, irrespective of one’s party affiliation.
“We thank Allah, nobody harm him, but the mood of youth will tell him, he is not with his subjects”. He said
Majority of the invited dignitaries at the venue lamented on the youths behavior describing it as uncivilised.
Meanwhile, State Governor,Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai shortly after swearing-in by the State Chief Judge, Justice Tanimu Zailani, pledged that his administration will avoid ostentation and foolish big manism, but would embrace transparency, modesty and accountability.
“In recognition of the difficult challenges we face, our deputy Governor and I have concluded that the sacrifices that change requires must begin with us.
“We have decided to take a pay cut and donate 50 percent of our salaries and allowances, until our fiscal situation improves.
“We understand that leadership by example is the most persuasive way to demand sacrifices from all of us as citizens”
“We will obey the same rules that we demand of all of you. After all, the law is the difference between civilization and anarchy.
“We submit ourselves to the principle that all are equal before the law” he said.
