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Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has presented official vehicles and staff of office to 19 emirs to strengthen traditional institutions and improve grassroots administration.
The presentation took place in Gusau, the state capital, as part of activities marking Zamfara State’s 30th anniversary. The ceremony brought together all 19 emirs, including some appointed before the current administration but not formally coronated until Governor Lawal took office.
Speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the traditional rulers to uphold the fear of God in carrying out their duties. He advised them to always speak the truth without fear or favour, stressing that their loyalty should be to God Almighty.
The Sultan also raised concerns over the poor condition of the Sokoto-Gusau Road. He called on the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to repair it.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal described the presentation as an important milestone in the state’s history and governance. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with traditional rulers, describing them as key partners in promoting peace, stability and development.
Lawal noted that since Zamfara was created in 1996, traditional institutions had played important roles in maintaining social order, preserving cultural values and promoting peaceful relationships among communities. He urged the emirs to carry out their duties with fairness, wisdom, integrity and compassion.
The governor also urged traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing credible information and mobilising community support. He warned them against protecting or hiding criminal elements, regardless of their identities or affiliations.
According to him, lasting peace in Zamfara requires sustained government action, effective security operations and the cooperation of local communities.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s plan to complete the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces across the state. He said the project would strengthen traditional institutions and improve the working conditions of the rulers.
As part of the support, the state government distributed official vehicles to all 19 emirs to ease their movement, improve community engagement and strengthen coordination with government institutions.
The governor urged the monarchs to maintain the vehicles properly and use them only for official duties.
He also called for a stronger partnership between the emirates and the state government. He urged the emirs to support government policies and programmes at the grassroots while offering honest advice and constructive guidance.
