Jonathan, Atiku Grieve Over Death Of Gombe Emir

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have expressed shock and sadness over the death, in London yesterday, of the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar.
President Jonathan extended condolences to Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo and the people of Gombe State, the Gombe Emirate for the loss.
He savoured the warm reception and courtesies extended to him and his delegation by the late Emir during his visit to Gombe for the North-East Economic Summit in December last year.
President Jonathan said that Alhaji Shehu will be greatly missed by his people and all who knew him.
Alhaji Atiku on his part described the late Emir as a great traditional ruler who fully identified with the aspirations and development of his people during his 30-year eventful reign.
He recalled that throughout his remarkable reign, the late Shehu Abubakar took passionate interest in issues such as education, which are integral components of development.
Atiku Abubakar also recalled the late Shehu Abubakar’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and democratic developments.
“As a delegate to the 2005 National Political Reform Conference the late Emir of Gombe played a significant part in Nigeria’s political affairs.”
While condoling with the family, the people and the government of Gombe State, the former vice president urged other leaders to follow the example of the deceased by identifying with their people and their aspirations.