By Inusa Salihu Maiduguri
The governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday led a government delegation to the funeral prayer of the Waziri of Borno, Yerima Mustapha Muktar, in Maiduguri.
In the governor’s delegation were: the deputy governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, among other government officials.
Others on the entourage of the governor are members of the House of Representatives, state Assembly members, the Head of Service, HoS, and some members of the State Executive Council.
Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettima Mamman Saleh, led the funeral prayer, conducted at the Shehu of Borno’s palace.
Waziri in the traditional hierarchy serves as the prime minister of Borno’s Elkanemi dynasty, and Chief Adviser to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno.
Waziri Muktar died in the early hours of Saturday after a protracted illness, at the age of 50. He left behind an aged mother, four wives, 19 children, brothers and sisters.
He was appointed as the Waziri of Borno on 16 July, 2007, by the then Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi, after the demise of his father, Alhaji Yerima Muktar Mustapha.
Zulum extended his condolences to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, describing the death as a huge loss not only to the Shehu and his immediate family, but to all the people of Borno.
Shehus of Dikwa, Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim, Bama, Umar Ibn Shehu Kyari, and the Emirs of Damaturu, Shehu Hashimi II El-Kanemi and Gazargamu, Tijjani Ibn Saleh Gaidam, were also in attendance.
