Congratulatory messages poured in Wednesday for the newly-named Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli.

Mr. Bamalli, a career diplomat, was confirmed Wednesday by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, after a short but rigid selection process.

“While you bask in the glory of the moment, I want you to be the leader to all and treat all your people fairly in the performance of your duties,” President Muhammadu Buhari said in a statement by Garba Shehu. “This is a challenging moment and therefore, I want you to use this opportunity to unite all members of the ruling houses for the interest of your people,.” 

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice-president, said he was delighted to learn of Mr. Bamalli’s appointment, saying he was a good replacement for Shehu Idris, who passed on on September 20 after 45 years on the throne.

”Although the shoes of the late Emir are big, I am confident that Bamalli is up to the task and responsibilities expected of him,” Mr. Abubakar said in a statement signed by his spokesman Paul Ibe.

Senate President Ahmed Lawan expressed hopes that the new Emir would meet the high expectations of the revered office and justify the trust and confidence that his people have expressed in his character and ability through his selection and appointment, his media aide Ola Awoniyi.

He prayed for a peaceful transition in the Zazzau Emirate, which is amongst Nigeria’s most prominent traditional seats.