By Bello Katagum
The first time I met Yeriman Zazzau Alhaji Munir Jaafaru was many years ago on a trip to UK.
He was as usual in his babban riga with a turban on his head. I greeted him and introduced myself and we exchanged numbers.
He told me he heard about me and I was a good man. He said he hoped I would not join politics no matter the pressure so as not to stain the good name I have built. I sincerely didn’t think I deserved the accolade from this great man, but it was one of the biggest compliments I have ever had, especially coming from him.
We became close since then and he calls and sends messages to me almost on daily basis. Our relationship solidified over the years based on mutual respect and trust. There were so many occasions where he cautioned me in respect of some of my posts on social media because he found them a bit controversial. It is someone that has your interest and sympathy that could go to that extent for you.
Finally, Governor EL-Rufai announces Ahmad Bamalli as Emir of Zazzau
There was a day I raised the issue of him getting an appointment being still in his early 60s, and he looked surprised and puzzled that I could actually think he could still be in public office at his age. His response always reminisces whenever I remember, Koguna ka dade as he fondly calls me all the time, at this age, I should be closer to my God by supplicating continuously and consistently for him to accept our worship and put us in Aljanna.
He reminded me that public service is for you the younger ones, that he had played his own part, and he was glad he had never been found wanting or accused of misappropriation in the discharge of responsibilities assigned to him.
That was huge, especially in our contemporary times.
Yeriman Zazzau lives in Zaria up till this moment and for over two decades, nearer to his people, not in Abuja. I had the privilege of raising this issue with him as well, that a man of his standing rarely comes to Abuja which was strange. He said nothing gladdens his heart than being closer to his people to feel their pulse and make positive contributions to their day to day wellbeing. No wonder he’s referred to as the most popular Prince in the history of the Zazzau Emirate. His life is that of service to the people so that everyone will live with dignity, self-esteem, and respect.
A lot of people were surprised by the letter he wrote almost immediately after the announcement of the new Emir became public giving support to the current Emir of Zazzau and for being among the first contenders to pay allegiance and respect to the new Emir. Anyone that associates with Munir Dan Sarki Ja’afaru Jikan Ishiyaku would have been surprised if he had behaved otherwise. His belief in destiny and the will of God is unparalleled and unbelievable. I spoke to him some weeks back complaining about the process of appointing the Emir being prolonged unnecessarily, and he replied that God had already chosen the Emir of Zazzau. It is we humans that are just becoming agitated for no reason. What will be, will be.
From the voice of Yeriman Zazzau and from what I heard, he was so relaxed and was showing no emotions or negativity in respect of the impending announcement of the new Emir. When the announcement was eventually made and Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli was announced as the new Emir, he was the one consoling people that were disappointed with the outcome, pleading with them to accept the will of God, and that there could only be one Emir of Zazzau. He said the outcome was what God had ordained and that God never makes mistakes in what he wills. Kun fa yakun – Be and it is.
If there is any man that is the greatest exponent, proponent, and paragon of what royalty and aristocracy is and is supposed to be, you will not get anyone close to Munir Dan Sarki Ja’afaru Jikan Ishiyaku.
If you are looking for a man that is a symbol of humility, good character, discipline, dignity, respect, patience, charisma, charity, humanity, benevolence, and magnanimity, you will not find many that are in the league of Munir Dan Ja’afaru Jikan Ishiyaku.
May the excellent and exemplary disposition you have imbibed and cultivated all your life continue to intercede for you in this life and the hereafter.
May Allah guide the new Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and may his reign usher a new beginning of prosperity and peaceful coexistence in Zazzau Emirate and Nigeria as a whole. Masha Allah!!!
