THE Kaduna State Government has declared three days mourning for the late Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.
In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir el-Rufai on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye, also announced a public holiday to mourn the late Emir.
According to him, public offices will open on September 21 and 22, but there will be a public holiday on September 23 “to honour his memory.”
The statement said flags would fly at half-mast during the mourning period for the late Emir Idris, whose remains have been laid to rest at the palace in Zaria.
The emir, who died at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, on Sunday, at the age of 84, was buried beside past emirs of the emirate.
Chief Imam of Zazzau Emirate, Dalhatu Kasimu, led the funeral prayers attended by dignitaries and top government functionaries, including a crowd of Kaduna indigenes.
Governor El-Rufai led other government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Balarabe Lawal-Abbas; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, to the prayer.
On the Federal Government’s side, the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, led the delegation, which included the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Environment, Mahmud Mohammed; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
The Emir of Kano, HRH Aminu Bayero, was also present.
Late Shehu Idris, who was the Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, was the 18th Emir of Zazzau.
He ruled for 45 years, before his demise.