By Abdulwahab Muhammad, SSA Communication to the Governor of Bauchi State
Published by Alphapressmedia.com
BAUCHI — The Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, CFR, has turbaned former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as Jigon Bauchi, in recognition of his contributions to democracy, peace, national unity and development.
The colourful traditional ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi, where the former President was formally decorated with the prestigious title amid an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and other distinguished personalities.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Kauran Daular Usmaniyya, led senior government officials and other dignitaries to the Emir’s Palace to witness the historic occasion.
The conferment of the title followed the approval of the Emir and Bauchi Emirate Council, culminating in the traditional turbaning rites that formally admitted Dr. Jonathan into the respected circle of title holders within the Bauchi Emirate.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed appreciation to the Emir of Bauchi for honouring the former President, describing the conferment as a fitting recognition of Jonathan’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, peace and national cohesion.
Governor Mohammed noted that the former President has remained a respected elder statesman whose conduct and commitment to peaceful democratic processes continue to inspire Nigerians and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
He said the title of Jigon Bauchi, which literally signifies a “Pillar of Bauchi,” reflects the Emirate’s appreciation of Jonathan’s statesmanship and his longstanding commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
Responding after his turbaning, former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed profound gratitude to the Emir, the Bauchi Emirate Council, Governor Bala Mohammed and the entire people of Bauchi State for the honour bestowed on him.
Jonathan pledged to uphold the dignity, customs and traditions associated with the title of Jigon Bauchi and assured the Emirate of his continued commitment to promoting peace, unity, tolerance and democratic values.
In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, described the former President as a distinguished statesman and leader whose commitment to peaceful coexistence and democratic stability has earned him respect within Nigeria and across the international community.
The Emir praised Jonathan’s contributions to the growth of democracy and national unity, stressing that the conferment of the Jigon Bauchi title represents the Emirate’s recognition of his service to Nigeria and humanity.
The ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, senior government officials, political leaders and prominent personalities from within and outside Bauchi State.
The turbaning of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Jigon Bauchi further underscores the Bauchi Emirate’s longstanding tradition of recognising individuals whose leadership, service and contributions have advanced peace, unity and national development.
