Zaria city was agog last week as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond converged on the ancient town to celebrate former Vice President, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, Fnia, who was formally turbanned as the Sardaunan Zazzau.
The historic ceremony, performed by His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, marked the fulfillment of an honour earlier conferred on Sambo in 2014 by the late Emir, Dr. Shehu Idris.
At the time of the initial conferment, Sambo, then serving as Vice President under Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, had humbly deferred the ceremony, prioritising his national duties over personal recognition. Over a decade later, the long-awaited event finally took place amid pomp and pageantry, traditional splendour, and overwhelming goodwill.
After being turbanned, the new Sardauna mounted a beautifully adorned horse and led the traditional durbar procession, symbolically signaling his readiness to assume the responsibilities of his new title.
The event attracted a remarkable array of dignitaries, including former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; the former Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, and Gov Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
Also in attendance were prominent political figures such as former Kaduna State governor, Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi; former governor of Jigawa State, Sen. Sule Lamido; former governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and renowned Islamic scholars, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun.
Others included representatives of Afreximbank, captains of industry, notable amongst whom were representatives of Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Rabiu, prominent Christian clerics, traditional rulers, and close friends and associates of the new Sardauna from across the world.
A major highlight of the day was the visible camaraderie between Dr. Jonathan and Architect Sambo, who were seen together throughout the turbanning ceremonies at the Emir’s palace to the visit to the Sardauna’s country home, and finally to the grand reception at the GRA, Zaria.
The former president’s active participation in receiving guests alongside his erstwhile deputy rekindled fond memories of their time in office, when they worked closely as partners in service to the nation.
Dr. Jonathan was warmly received by the crowd with chants of goodwill and applause that echoed across the venues. The atmosphere was electric, as well-wishers jostled to catch a glimpse or photograph of the two men, whose friendship has endured the test of time.
For many, it was a moment of nostalgia and pride, a celebration of enduring loyalty, humility and leadership. It was indeed a memorable occasion, one that will not be forgotten so soon.
After his full participation, the Sardauna was full of gratitude as Dr Goodluck Jonathan departed for his country home Otueke to mark the end of the ceremonies.