The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has received the sad news of the death of two illustrious sons of Northern Nigeria, including the Emir of Zuru, Kebbi State, the late Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Rtd), CON, Gomo II, aged 82, as well as that of an eminent businessman, politician and philanthropist, Alhaji Isiaku Ibrahim, aged 89. With these deaths in recent times, Northern Nigeria has again lost two illustrious sons who had distinguished themselves in services to the nation, the region and their communities, and representatives of the region’s finest in their different callings in life. Indeed, each had achieved excellence in their sojourn in life, with enduring legacies worthy of emulation.Until his death, the late Major General Sani Sami (Rtd), was Gomo II, Emir of the famed Zuru Emirate, a breeding ground of great and proud traditional and modern warriors. He had joined the Nigerian military in 1962, served in the civil war of 1967 – 1970, as well as distinguished himself in various military formations and command posts, with various service medals to boot. Among key positions, he was severally Commandant, Brigade of Guards, Military Governor of Bauchi State and when he retired became the Emir of Zuru. His was therefore a life devoted to serving the nation, his community and humanity in general, for which ACF and Arewa will remain proud of him.
Late Alhaji Isiaku Ibrahim had lived a distinguished life as frontline politician, international businessman of repute and known philanthropist. He had lived an exemplary life full of notable achievements. Especially in the post-military era from 1979, late Alhaji Ibrahim served as a member of the Board of Trustees of both the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN), and later that of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). He was also an avid promoter of sports at local and national levels. Variously considered principled, an even enigmatic with an unwavering commitment to the development of Northern Nigerian. In many circles, he was often credited with playing a major role in thwarting the then military junta’s attempt to abduct the late politician, Umaru Dikko and ferrying him to Nigeria without due process. Arewa and ACF will forever cherish his times and service.
As ACF mourns these late illustrious sons, we pray for the peaceful repose of their souls in Aljanna Firdaus. ACF also extends condolences to their various families, friends and well-wishers, the people and Governments of Kebbi and Nasarawa States as well as the Federation and world over.
Prof. TA Muhammad-Baba
National Publicity Secretary
17th August, 2025
