How Ado Bayero Almost Died Over Stand Against Boko Haram – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Saturday in Bichi, Kano State, that he remembered with affection how the late Emir, Ado Bayero, who he described as a unique character, almost died prematurely on January 19, 2013, because of his outspoken opposition to Boko Haram terrorists.

Buhari said this while urging emerging leaders in the country to unite the country and end divisiveness.

Buhari said the nation’s current circumstances impose a demand on leaders to “display their qualities and work earnestly for continued peace and unity” in an address to the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, and his people at his inaugural ceremony read on his behalf by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff.

“Your turbanning at a providential time like this in the history of our country when the prevailing social and socioeconomic conditions have created an opportunity for emerging leaders to display their qualities and work earnestly for continued peace and unity.

‘‘Your father, my friend the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, was a symbol of unity, not only within his Kingdom but also within Northern Nigeria and the whole country.”

Buhari said “when we remember Ado Bayero, we remember unity, we remember simplicity and good leadership, a leader who devoted his life to unify the nation.

“I remember with nostalgia, the passion and commitment he always exhibited in the pursuit of anything he believed in, a distinctive character that almost cost him his life prematurely on 19th January 2013 because of his vociferous stand against the Boko Haram terrorists.”

President Buhari expressed optimism that the new Emir will exhibit similar qualities and “even much more, as he has begun to exhibit” within the few months of his reign.

The President, who extended his “deep and wholehearted congratulations”, said he will continue to pray for the success of the Emir and looks forward to his contributions ‘‘to uplifting the people of his emirate and Nigerians in general.”