The governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has begun reading Robert Heussler’s “The British in Northern Nigeria” to get an insight on the appointment of emirs as the list of the aspirants is submitted to him for consideration and approval.
The throne became vacant, following the death of the 18th Emir of Zazzau Shehu Idris on September 20.
Recall that in a Facebook post on Thursday, the governor said he was currently reading Prof M G Smith’s book on the selection of Zazzau Emirs centuries ago.
“While awaiting the recommendations of the Zazzau Emirate kingmakers, I am re-reading Prof M G Smith’s authoritative epic on the selection of Zazzau Emirs from 1800 to 1950 to guide me in taking a decision. “Government in Zazzau” was published in 1960,” he wrote.
Against media reports that a list has already been submitted to him, the governor posted on Twitter that he is yet to receive the list.
“This @elrufai has not received anything. The Commissioner responsible for chieftaincy matters is reviewing the 11 aspirants and the assessment of all of them by the kingmakers. I will consider the recommendations then and select the next Emir IN Sha Allah.
“I am on my second book throwing more light on the emergence of the Emir of Zazzau Jafaru in 1937. I have also reviewed the secret files on his selection, & that of Emir Shehu Idris. I await the recommendations of the Commissioner responsible for chieftaincy matters,” he posted.
According to reports, the kingmakers of Zazzau emirate have shortlisted three princes and forwarded to Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai for his consideration and appointment as new Emir of Zazzau.
Of the 11 princes who indicated their interests, the report said the kingmakers shortlisted Bashir Aminu, Iyan Zazzau (89 marks); Munir Jafaru, Yariman Zazzau (87) and; Aminu Shehu Idris, Turakin Karamin Zazzau (53 marks).
