Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar was turbaned as Sardaunan Katsina because of his outstanding qualities and philanthropic activities.
This was revealed by the Emir of Katsina Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir Usman shortly after turbaning Ambassador Abubakar on Saturday at his palace in Katsina.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE reports that the intelligence agency’s chief is the third person to hold this traditional title in Katsina emirate.
The monarch who spoke in Hausa said Ambassador Abubakar “is our illustrious son who have been working assiduously but inside government and outside of it to better the lives of Nigerian citizens.”
Emir Usman said the NIA boss has carved a niche for himself as a servant of the people who went extra miles to ensure they are comfortable. He said the new Sardauna was not carried away by his position to look down on people.
Describing Ambassador Abubakar as an exceptional person, the emir said, “his concern for the people in Katsina irrespective of their background is legendary. For instance, when I was admitted at the hospital some times back, Ambassador Abubakar visited me 10 times. This is legendary. That is what even the child you give birth to or your blood relatives can do. “
The monarch said the NIA chief is always with his people at all levels. “Even though he is in Abuja, he doesn’t abandon his people. He is always concern about the commonwealth of his people, young and old, rich and poor, those in cities and villages,” the emir said.
The emir said Ambassador Abubakar remains humble, honest and courteous despite his exalted position in government. He urged public office holders to emulate the new Sardaunan Katsina in making affairs of their people a priority.
“Whether you are a president, governor or minister, let it be known that only God gives power. Therefore, you should use that power to impact positively on the lives of the people in your domain. There is no need for feeling above the people. Power is transient and it is from God,” the monarch said.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries that included Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, governors and ministers, federal lawmakers, security and paramilitary chiefs, among others.
Other dignitaries at the event are the Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, Katsina State Deputy Governor Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State Alhaji Manir Muhammad, members of the Katsina state executive council and state legislators
Also present are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyema, Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, Minister of Water Resources Engr Suleiman Hussain Adamu, Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Envoy to Chad and the Lake Chad Basin Region and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Ambassador Babagana Kingibe also attended the event. His predecessor, former SGF Alhaji Yayale Ahmed was also in attendance.
