Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has described the late 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, as a pioneer reformist who deployed his wide knowledge of Islam and vast experience as a technocrat to make profound impact on his family, community and the nation at large.
Tambuwal said this in a message of condolence on Tuesday in Sokoto.
“At every stage of his life, Sultan Dasuki gave his all to ensure communal harmony and educational development of the citizenry.
“For the eight years he spent on the throne as Sultan of Sokoto, he gave priority attention to the educational development of our people by promoting adult and women literacy in all parts of Sokoto.
“He equally paid attention to the revitalisation of religious education, especially among Imams of various mosques in the Caliphate.
“In addition, he will be remembered for formulating workable framework for the prevention and management of inter-communal clashes in Nigeria.
“His untiring effort in ending the Tiv, Jukun and Fulani skirmish in Taraba State particularly stands out.
“In his later years, Sultan Dasuki dedicated his life to mentoring young Nigerians on aspect of leadership, public administration and community service.
“He became a repository of knowledge always willing to share his experience with whoever sought it.
“He will be greatly missed.”
While praying to Almighty Allah to grant Sultan Dasuki paradise, Tambuwal said the people and government of Sokoto State will continue to cherish the deceased’s contributions to the development of the Caliphate and the state at large.
The governor sent his commiserations to Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and late Sultan Dasuki’s family over the painful loss.
Also, the Gwandu Emirate Council in Kebbi has described the late Sultan as a great Nigerian who worked for the unity of the country.
The Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] on Tuesday that the deceased had also worked tirelessly to unite the northern traditional institutions.
He said that Dasuki had offered selfless service to Nigeria and worked for peaceful coexistence across the country, even after he was deposed as the Sultan in 1996.
The Wazirin Gwandu said Dasuki had played enviable role in the emergence of modern local government administration, establishment of commercial banks among others.
“The former Sultan was a bridge builder who strived hard to unite the traditional institutions as well as ensure peaceful coexistence.
“He never relented in giving advise and support to leaders on the unity of the country even after he was removed as the Sultan in 1996.”
In a related development, Mallam Sallah, a resident of Birnin Kebbi, said the late Sultan would be remembered as a selfless leader who led by example and was great source of inspiration to the youths.
He said the death of Dasuki was a great loss to the country, considering his contributions in policy formulation and the inspirational leadership he offered in his life time.
Another resident, Alhaji Abubakar Birnin Kebbi, said Dasuki’s death was “a monumental loss of a great leader” who contributed immensely to the development of the country.
NAN reports the deceased died on Monday night at the age 93 in Abuja. (NAN).