Sallah: Zazzau emir rides on horse cart

[naijababe]

Speculations that the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris would not be able to perform the annual Sallah Durbar on horseback was confirmed yesterday when he appeared on  a horse-cart.

This, according to some people is the first time in history that an emir of Zazzau would use anything other than a horse for the annual Sallah Durbar. Some residents of the ancient city attributed the development to many factors.  Some said the use of the horse-cart may not be unconnected with the emir's old-age, which is affecting his health. But the Chief Protocol Officer to the Emir, Alhaji Abubakar Ladan (Chiroman Shantali) said the emir deliberately decided to use the cart-horse in order to add colour to the Sallah Durbar. "Using the cart-horse is more rigorous than using an ordinary horse. Didn't  you notice that there were two horses driving the cart? That is to tell you that it is more difficult to use the cart than an ordinary horse. Our emir is hale and hearty. He is very strong. Didn't you see how the large crowd appreciated the use of the cart-horse? Most people below the age of 40 have never seen a cart-horse, and this provided them that opportunity", he said.

He also denied that this is the first time an Emir of Zazzau is using a cart-horse, saying in 1958 when the Queen of England visited Nigeria, many northern emirs, including the then Emir of Zazzau used cart-horses sent to them by the Queen to welcome her.

In his Sallah speech, the Emir of Zazzau urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another. He also urged security agencies to work hard to restore law and order in the country.

"I also want to use this opportunity to thank Vice President Namadi Sambo and Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa for their commitment towards the expansion of our palace. A date for commissioning of the new palace would soon be fixed," he said.

Our correspondent reports that the Sallah celebration was generally peaceful in Zaria, and that as early as 7 am, residents trooped to the various Eid grounds for prayers.



Attribution: Compass, DailyTrust, Guardian, NationalMirror, NewsWatch, SaharaReporters, Sensor and Vanguard.