Zamfara Gov Presents Staff Of Office, Vehicles To 19 Emirs

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has presented staff of office and official vehicles to the 19 emirs in the state as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance grassroots administration. The ceremony, held in Gusau, the state capital, formed part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State. The presentation brought together all 19 emirs, including some who had been appointed before the current administration but were not formally coronated until Governor Lawal assumed office.

While addressing the monarchs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged them to always uphold the fear of God in the discharge of their duties. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Dauda Lawal (right) described the presentation as a significant milestone in the history and governance of the state. He emphasised that traditional rulers must speak the truth without fear or favour, stressing that their loyalty should be to God Almighty.

The Sultan also expressed concern over the poor condition of the Sokoto-Gusau Road and called on the relevant authorities to take urgent action to address the situation. Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal described the presentation as a significant milestone in the history and governance of the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of traditional rulers as critical partners in promoting peace, stability and development.

The governor noted that since Zamfara State was created in 1996, traditional institutions had continued to play vital roles in maintaining social order, preserving cultural values and fostering harmonious relationships among communities. He urged the emirs to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, wisdom, integrity and compassion. Governor Lawal particularly called on the traditional rulers to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing credible information, mobilising community support and discouraging the protection or concealment of criminal elements, irrespective of their identities or affiliations.

He stressed that restoring lasting peace required sustained government efforts, effective security operations and the cooperation and confidence of local communities. The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces across the state, noting that the initiative was aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and improving the working environment of traditional rulers.

As part of the support, the state government distributed official vehicles to all 19 emirs to facilitate their movement, enhance community engagement, and improve coordination with government institutions. He urged the traditional rulers to ensure proper maintenance and responsible use of the vehicles strictly for official assignments. Governor Lawal called for a productive partnership between the emirates and the state government, urging the emirs to support government policies and programmes at the grassroots while providing honest counsel and constructive guidance.