(http://peoplesdailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Emir-of-Kano-Alhaji-Ado-Bayero.jpg) (http://peoplesdailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Emir-of-Kano-Alhaji-Ado-Bayero.jpg)From Edwin Olofu, Kano & Osaigbovo Iguobara, Benin
In spite of the challenges he has encountered over the past 50 years on the throne, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Ado Bayero, said yesterday that he remains unruffled because of his unflinching faith in the Almighty Allah.
"Perseverance, endurance and patience have been my stronghold," the Emir said and noted further that, "nothing has ever hurt me in my 50 years on the throne."
The 56th Emir of Kano recalled that he had stepped on the throne with mixed feelings explaining that, "when I was crowned as the Emir of Kano in June 1963, I received the honour with mixed feelings as I was happy, and then I was not happy.
"In any case, I took it as a call to serve my people and I was not happy because then, I had elder brothers, elderly uncles who could have done it better but the mantle of leadership fell on me and I had no choice than to accept the responsibility."
Bayero also spoke on the need to assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers in the country, pointing out that, "if the government decides to assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers, it is acceptable to me, and if they decide otherwise, it also acceptable."
He called on Nigerians to have faith in God, noting that, in everything that happens to one's life, God has a purpose for it.
The 83 year old Emir called on his subjects to pray for the development of Kano and Nigeria, noting further that peace and unity remain the cornerstone of every nation that is determined to develop.
Following is the encounter between the Emir and newsmen:
Your Royal Highness it is 50 years since you ascended the throne. How do you feel?
I have nothing much to say than to thank Allah for sparing my life to witness these years on the throne as the longest serving Emir of Kano.
Over these years, different governors both civilians and military men have ruled Kano state. How have you been able to cope with them?
It is not by my doing. It is through the help of Allah that I was able to have a good understanding and good relationship with all the governors who have governed the state during my reign.
When the former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha died, after the funeral prayer you were quoted as lamenting that all the two sons of Kano who were opportuned to rule the country died in office. Is there any reason behind that statement having in mind that late Murtala also died during his time as Head of State?
There is no reason in particular for that statement, only that I am showing my gratitude to Allah who made it possible for me to see the coming and leaving of many head of sates that either died or leave at the end of their tenures. Every soul must taste death at it appointed time by Allah. So, what is left for us is to pray to Allah for His mercy and forgiveness and take our souls as Muslims when our appointed time reaches us.
Your Highness, people are of the opinion that you are not shaken by anything bearing in mind many things that have happened during your reign most especially the recent events, how was that possible?
What do you mean? In fact I don't even know what you mean, what I believe is that whatever happens to me on this earth is destined to happen to me by almighty Allah. So, there is no point being disturbed as whatever happened to any person is already pre-destined to happen to him, so whenever such kind of things happen whether good or bad what is required from that person is to thank Allah if it is for good and exercise patients if it is the opposite.
For someone to spend 50 years on the throne as emir in a great emirate like Kano is not a small feat. Your Highness, what can you say about the positive development Kano state experiences during your reign?
Alhamdulillah, all praises are due to Allah who through His assistance made it possible for me to witness these years on the throne, a feat that none of my predecessors achieved. I thank all the people of Kano and the country at large for showing me such love during this time.
In this 50 years, Kano has witnessed tremendous development and challenges in many different aspects of life. How do you see these developments?
This is a very simple task for me. As I have always said, whoever puts his trust in Allah and follows his instructions as prescribed by Islam in whatever he does, that person has nothing to worry about. So, it is through Allah's assistance that we have succeeded over these years.
Your Highness a lot of your people praise you for your virtues especially your patience and justice in ruling your kingdom. What is the secret behind this your highness for others to imbibe and become successful?
Alhamdulillah, the secret is that, it is Allah who blesses me with these good behaviours as He is the only one that can grant such virtues to any of His servants.
You are known for your generosity especially in the areas of helping the needy, building of mosques and Islamic schools. Why do you engage in such activities?
These things are what we inherited from Sheikh Usman Bin Fodio, the founder of Fulani dynasty. Building of mosques and Islamic schools and helping the needy among our subjects is what the empire is known for and passed over to us by our forefathers. So, as vicegerent of Usman Bin Fodio, these things are part of our responsibilities.
Being an Emir in a big city like Kano ought to be very challenging. Your Highness, do you ever have time to rest as other people do?
Initially, I worked almost 24 hours a day, without any particular day to rest or what have you but now, due to age and as the body is no longer as strong as it was 50 years ago, we set aside weekends to rest. Apart from Friday that is traditionally set aside as work-free day during which I receive homage from my subjects, we now add Saturday and Sunday as work-free days.
Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state has described Bayero, as an embodiment of wisdom and a friend of the talakawa.
While congratulating the Emir on his 50th coronation anniversary, Oshiomhole said that, "I heartily write to pay tribute and celebrate with Your Royal Highness on this momentous occasion of your landmark 50th coronation anniversary, as Emir of Kano.
"Under Your Royal Highness' glorious reign, Kano Emirate witnessed phenomenal socio-economic, political, educational and cultural transformation and, more than at any time in its history affirmed its pre-eminent status, as a world-renowned Emirate, centre of commerce and scholarship, and a melting pot for all Nigerians.
"Despite the fast changing Nigeria's landscape, Your Royal Highness has remained a model of how change can be embraced by a Community without sacrificing its cultural and spiritual values.
"Significantly, in the 50 years since Your Royal Highness ascended the exalted throne of your forbears, you have remained a most worthy friend of the talakawa, who have, in turn, always shown uncommon admiration and fondness for their King.
"As embodiment of wisdom and learning, compassion and selflessness, Your Royal Highness has continued to inspire millions, as a reference point in authentic leadership and service to the Community."
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