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Nigeria: Day of Honour, Royalty, Pageantry for Emir Usman
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Daily Trust (Abuja)
12 July 2008
Posted to the web 12 July 2008
Lawal Ibrahim
Katsina
Apart from the official coronation of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, as the 50th emir, the historic event was full of colour and spectacles. Weekly Trust brings you some of the attractions that added great panache to the event at the Katsina Polo ground.
Friday, July 4, a day to the ceremony, the entire city of Katsina was already in a festive mood. Major streets were dotted with banners, billboards and paintings all in preparation for the grand event.
Apart from the state government, some private organisations also used the opportunity to promote their products and services through congratulatory advertisements on banners placed at some strategic locations.
As early as 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, sounds of sirens emanating from cars of dignitaries coming into Katsina town ushered in the day. Many of them who came from far and near arrived Katsina early enough to secure a few accommodation available on time. Soon after, the arrival of emirs and chiefs, the FCT Minister, Aliyu Modibbo and Governors of Enugu, Edo, Kaduna, Gombe and the Deputy Governors of Zamfara, Sokoto, Taraba and Kebbi states joined the trail as distinguished guests.
The representative of President Umaru Musa Yar'adua at the occasion, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, also added colour to the event along with the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential candidate in the last election, retired General Muhammadu Buhari.
Other dignitaries included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; Defence Minister, Yayale Ahmed and over 50 emirs and chiefs from across the country.
Many guests, few accommodation
Although most dignitaries had no problem with accommodation, however, their aides had to scramble to secure accommodation in the few available hotels. Indeed, it was brisk business for the hospitality industry.
Because of scarce accommodation, Weekly Trust gathered that some of the traditional rulers spent the night in one of the political parties' offices around the city.
Sirens, drumbeats blare the air
The ceremony which commenced at about 11a.m., two hours behind schedule, started with the arrival of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole along with the state governors.
The presentation of the staff of office by Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina state was the height of the process to appoint an emir which started in March following the presentation of an appointment letter and the subsequent coronation by kingmakers in April.
The presentation doesn't only symbolise royalty but the final confirmation of authority by the kingmakers and the entire people of Katsina.
To the residents, it was not an occasion to ignore as most business activities were shut down. A sizeable number of motorcycle operators known as Okada were also not left out of the epoch event. However, to petty traders, it was another opportunity for brisk business.
Sachet water vendors, food and beverage sellers and other traders created a mini market at entry points to the Polo ground.
Drum beats emanating from thousands of drums also vibrated the air amidst praise singing, dancing and gyration from drummers. Weekly Trust gathered that some of them came all the way from Niger Republic. Bello Mai Ganga who came from Gombe, told Weekly Trust that his three- man band was invited to Katsina for a wedding occasion by Katsina based business mogul, Dahiru Mangal, but decided to hang on to attend the royal event.
Other entertainers who graced the occasion included human mascots, jesters and magicians. One spectacular display by the magicians was the crushing of broken bottles with the teeth. Other magicians popularly referred to as Yantauri in Hausa also displayed their skills with knives. They displayed bravery by stabbing parts of their body continuously without cutting any portion. Stilt walkers were also not left out of the celebration.
The Buhari factor
Another aspect of the event which attracted attention of many guests was the unique arrival of retired General Muhammadu Buhari at the venue. His arrival took many observers by surprise.
Many thought he would not honour the royal invitation because since he joined partisan politics, he hardly attends any government organised event. Many observers said his decision to honour the event might have informed President Yar'adua's decision not to attend the event.
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Comments such as "they have not been inviting him before", "it's because he knows Yar'adua is not coming that is why he came", " he came because the new emir is his man", "Yar'adua sent Bankole to avoid the event," dominated discussions throughout the day..
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