APC Vice Presidential Candidate, former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar as the most kind, benevolent and compassionate traditional ruler with the requisite leadership qualities of humility, accommodating and sense of purpose.
This was the candid description of the monarch by Senator Kashim Shettima during a homage to the Abdullahi Fodio Palace, Birnin Kebbi, this Wednesday in company of his host, Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Senator Kashim Shattima recalled his mutual interaction with the Emir in 2009, when he was the then Borno State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during which Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar showered him with gift items after attending the presentation of staff of office to the Shehu of Borno, in Maiduguri.
The APC Vice Presidential flag bearer recalled subsequent meetings with the royal father enjoying similar kind heartedness.
Senator Kashim Shattima said he was at the Palace which he described as home, to express appreciation to the Emir and solicit for his prayers and support in the task ahead of securing victory in this year’s general elections.
Senator Kashim Shattima was also grateful to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his consistent support to the aspirations of the APC and promoting the welfare of the people.
In response, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for leading the APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima to the Palace, saying Gwandu Emirate is home to Senator Kashim Shettima.
The monarch further thanked Kashim Shattima for his kindness and compassion to the Royal Palace Guards (Dogarai) and the Emirate Council members whenever they happened to meet one another anywhere in the country.
Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar prayed fervently for the election triumph of Kashim Shettima and the APC describing him as Vice President in waiting.
In an interview with newsmen at the Presidential Lodge, Senator Kashim Shattima described armed attacks on INEC offices in parts of the country as condemnable and criminal acts.
He was also emphatic that the sit-at-home order by IPOB on Mondays in the South-East was totally unacceptable act of criminality inimical to the wellbeing of the society.
The APC Vice Presidential candidate cautioned Nigerians against engaging in actions detrimental to the peace and unity of the nation.
Senator Kashim Shattima expressed utmost confidence about the capability and ability of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in spite of unwarranted action by destructive elements.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu accompanied his guest to the palace of the Emir and bid him farewell during his departure at the Sir Ahmad Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
Among those who earlier welcomed him at the airport were the Kebbi State APC Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu and other top APC stalwarts.
Other personalities at the palace during the visit were the state Deputy Governor, retired Colonel Sama’ila Yombe Dabai, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri, Commissioners, top government functionaries and Gwandu Emirate Council members.
