Katsina gets new Emir

Segun Olaniyan, Katsina - 14.03.2008

The Magajin Garin Katsina and first son of the late Emir, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has emerged as the new 50th Emir of Katsina barely five days after the death of his father Secretary to the Katsina State Government (SGS), Mr. Ahmed Aminu Yar’Adua, who led other state executive council members, made the formal announcement on Thursday at the Emir’s palace in Katsina.

According to him, the choice was based on the recommendations of the council of kingmakers of the emirate and the state council of chiefs.

He added that the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema, who gave the approval, however, wished the new Emir Allah’s guidance.

Meanwhile, investigation by the Nigerian Tribune in Katsina revealed that the delay in the appointment of the new emir followed an intense competition among the heir apparent to the throne.

It was gathered that the race for the emirship became tensed due to the fact that among the contenders were the in-law to the President who happened to have the sympathy of the teeming youth in the emirate.

It was learnt that the elderly, the aged, as well as some of the influential traditional title holders seem to lend their support to the eldest son who is seen as a replica of his late father.