By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state has commended traditional rulers for facilitating smooth and successful implementation of government programmes and policies.

The Governor made the commendation at the palace of the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, when the Emirs of Kano and Bichi paid homage to the Gwandu monarch this Thursday.

He said his administration would continue to accord due respect to traditional institutions to strengthen their role as custodian of culture and tradition of the people.

A statement on Thursday by Abubakar Mu’azu Dakingari Chief Press Secretary to the governor said the governor urged the monarchs to provide the requisite support to community policing by monitoring the movement of strangers and suspicious characters in the domains.

The governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff Government House Alhaji Sulaiman Mohammed Argungu advised the Kano emirate to sustain brotherliness and unity to ensuring societal peace and development.

While welcoming the two monarchs, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Bashar, expressed appreciation for the visit, urging them to provide the desired leadership as fathers of the people.

He said the existing historical relationship between Gwandu and Kano would be maintained for the mutual benefit of the inhabitants of Kebbi and Kano states.

They were presented with publications entitled ‘KIFAYA’ to the two emirs which contain the compilation of works of Sheikh Abdullahi bn Fodio.

Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero said they were at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace, Birnin Kebbi, to pay homage and loyalty, as well as seek fatherly advice on how best to pilot the affairs of their emirates for the good of their subjects.

The two emirs had also visited the Sultan of Sokoto, the tomb of Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio at Gwandu.

They promised to undertake another visit to Kebbi state to study the mode of Islamic administration utilised by the renowned scholar, Sheikh Usman bin Fodio, and his brother Abdullahi Fodio of Gwandu.