By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar has turbaned the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya as the Zaruman Sokoto.
The event, held at the Sokoto state Sports Complex had in attendance dignitaries including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, and a host of others.
A statement issued by Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations quoted Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja as painting Yahaya as a mentor and a leader, whose lofty and eventful military career, left indelible legacies from the beginning of his military career to its glorious end.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar described him as a renowned General, who has proven his mettle in battle, administration, and service to his people and nation.
“The impressive turn out of all and sundry, the low and the mighty, the sight of young men on horses’ and camels’ back adorned in green white and green attire, the motorbikers, the tricycle riders, and pedestrians, all trooped out to cheer the illustrious son of Sifawa Bodinga LGA of Sokoto state with a very warm grand reception at the Sokoto state Sports Complex, where he was honored with a colorful parade staged by pupils from various schools in Sokoto, Cultural troupes performance, Durbar display and streams of glowing tributes.
“The Chairman of the Grand reception, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who spoke glowingly about the celebrant, lauded him as an outstanding Sokoto son, who made an enormous commitment in service through the Nigerian Army to fatherland and humanity.
“The Governor of Sokoto state, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, described him as a tested and reliable personage, whose services will be craved by all while the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa gave his impression of him, as a professional and military leader extraordinary.”
The statement equally lauded residents of Sokoto state for the show of love and support displayed not only to the ex-Army chief but to the Nigerian Army in general.
“The warm grand reception, cheering communal embrace, and sheer love by the good people of Sokoto will continue to be savored not only by General Faruk Yahaya rtd, his family, friends, and relations but also all those who graced the auspicious event. The Nigerian Army remains particularly honored by this act of recognition and celebration of one of its own by the good people of Sokoto.”
