By Kasim Isa Muhammad
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Yobe State, Barrister Saleh Samanja, has been conferred with the traditional title of Maradi of Fika by the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa.
Samanja received the official appointment letter from the Fika Emirate Council at a ceremony held in Potiskum Local Government Area of the state and attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, political associates and well-wishers.
The traditional title was conferred on Samanja in recognition of his exceptional service to the community, dedication to the advancement of Fika Emirate and his respected standing within society.
Speaking shortly after receiving the appointment letter, Samanja thanked the Emir of Fika and the Emirate Council for the honour, describing the restoration of the title as a source of immense joy.
He said the recognition also came with responsibility, assuring the traditional institution and the people of Fika Emirate of his loyalty and commitment.
Samanja said, “I feel highly elated, happy with the title restored on me. I want to assure the Emirate and the entire people of Fika that I have wholeheartedly accepted this title given to me.
“I will do my utmost best to ensure that I live up to His Royal Highness’ expectations as Maradi of Fika.”
The APC chieftain pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the Emir, promising to uphold the values and responsibilities associated with the title.
He said the honour would further strengthen his commitment to supporting the traditional institution and contributing to the unity, progress and prosperity of the people of Fika Emirate.
Samanja also expressed surprise at the large turnout of people who gathered to witness the occasion, describing the reception as overwhelming and beyond his imagination.
“I am flabbergasted. I feel highly elated and beyond words. The level of attendance I witnessed today is something I never imagined,” he said.
He thanked Almighty Allah and appreciated the people who, despite all odds, came out to celebrate with him, describing their support as a gesture he would never forget.
Samanja said the occasion would remain indelible in his memory, adding that the honour had further inspired him to continue working for the unity, progress and prosperity of the people.
He said the traditional title would serve as an additional motivation for him to contribute to the development of Fika Emirate and support initiatives that would improve the wellbeing of its people.
The APC chieftain assured the Emirate of his continued loyalty, saying he would work to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution.
Samanja thanked the Emir, members of the Fika Emirate Council, community leaders and the people who attended the ceremony, saying their presence had made the occasion memorable.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting the traditional institution and contributing to the development and prosperity of the people of Fika Emirate.
Speaking on behalf of Samanja, the Marafan Machina, Engr. Mohammed Kati, thanked the Emir of Fika for the honour and confidence reposed in the APC chieftain.
Kati described the conferment as a significant recognition that also carried responsibility, saying Samanja would continue to uphold the values of loyalty, humility, service and commitment to the development of the emirate.
He said, “The conferment of this title is a significant recognition that carries responsibility. Barrister Samanja will continue to uphold the values of loyalty, humility, service and commitment to the development of the Emirate and its people.”
Kati said the honour would further strengthen Samanja’s dedication to supporting the traditional institution and contributing positively to the progress of Fika Emirate.
He thanked the Emir for finding Samanja worthy of the title and expressed confidence that the APC chieftain would justify the confidence reposed in him.
