Sen. Shehu Sani on Monday, pledged to renovate the historic Palace of the deposed Etsu Nupe Bida, late Mall. Abubakar Ibrahim.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ibrahim died in 1911 and was among the six northern Emirs that were deposed to Lokoja, Kogi by the then British Colonial Masters in the early 19th century.
Sani made the pledge in Lokoja during a visit to the tombs of the deposed Emirs.
He also pledged to renovate the Islamiyah School surrounding the tombs of the Emirs of Kano and Gwandu, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi (1903), and Muhammadu Aliyu (1902) respectively.
The renowned Human Rights Activist disclosed that already, he had released an undisclosed amount to the authority concerned, for renovation of the palace of the late deposed emir (Etsu Nupe Bida).
Sani explained that the gesture is a demonstration of his appreciation of the prices paid by the freedom fighters, who reportedly stood firmly in defence of Nigeria.
“The deposed emirs from the Northern Nigeria, who were exiled to and died in Lokoja, deserved proper recognition
“I therefore, urge Nigerians to always appreciate the freedom fighters who stood in defence of the country,” he said.
According to him, necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free execution.of the renovation of the palace.
“I also saw an abandoned Islamiyah School where the emirs were buried, and I have developed the desire to rehabilitate and revive it.
“I have also released some funds for the renovation of the palace of the deposed Etsu Nupe, who died in 1911 in Lokoja, ” he said.
Sani, who was represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019, reaffirmed commitment to continue to appreciate freedom fighters who defended the country’s territorial land.
Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim, the great grandson of the deposed Etsu, Abubakar, commended Sani for the pledge to renovate the palace.
He said the deposed Etsu Nupe fought gallantly for his people and refused to bow to dictates of the colonialists..
“We are happy that the senator deemed it fit to visit the palace, and we are very grateful to him for the prompt release of funds for renovation of the palace,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)
