Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has expressed condolences to the people of Gumel Emirate, the family of the late Emir, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Sani, and the people of Jigawa State over the death of the traditional ruler.
Sowore described the late Emir as an elder of dignity, wisdom and remarkable composure, saying his passing was a significant loss not only to his family and the people of Gumel but also to Nigerians who value the institution of traditional leadership and the virtues of honour, integrity and service.
In a condolence message, Sowore said the death of an elder of the Emir’s generation should serve as a reminder to Nigerians of the importance of dignity, honesty, courage and responsibility in public life.
He said Nigeria was currently grappling with corruption, abuse of public trust and the exploitation of citizens, stressing that the country needed to uphold values capable of promoting accountable and responsible leadership.
Sowore urged the people of Gumel and Nigerians generally to honour the memory of the late Emir not only through words, tributes and funeral ceremonies but also by emulating the virtues of dignity and integrity for which, he said, his generation was known.
He called on Nigerians to reject corruption, resist abuse of power and demand accountability from leaders at all levels, arguing that citizens must play an active role in ensuring that public office is used for the benefit of the people.
The AAC presidential candidate also called for greater cooperation among traditional institutions, political leaders and citizens in confronting corruption and bad governance, which he said continued to impoverish Nigerians and undermine the wellbeing of the people.
According to him, the values of integrity, courage, honesty and responsibility remain essential to building a society where leaders are accountable and citizens’ rights and welfare are respected.
Sowore said the late Emir’s legacy should therefore extend beyond the traditional institution and serve as an example to Nigerians, particularly at a time when the country is facing serious challenges of corruption, poor governance and abuse of public trust.
“May Allah forgive the shortcomings of the late Emir, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family, the people of Gumel and all those mourning this great loss the strength and fortitude to bear it,” Sowore prayed.
He added that the memory of the late Emir should continue to inspire dignity, integrity and service to the people, urging Nigerians to ensure that those values remain relevant in public and private life.