Following the submission of the report of the kingmakers, the Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, former Marafan Borgu, as the 17th Emir of Borgu.

The new emir is the eldest son of the late emir of Borgu and was the choice of the kingmakers after garnering the highest votes of the kingmakers in a selection process that took place at the Borgu local government secretariat, New Bussa, Niger State, last Saturday.

LEADERSHIP had reported yesterday that following the report of the kingmakers submitted to the governor by the Wazirin of Borgu, Alhaji Abdullahi Nuhu Sa’ad on Monday, the governor will soon announce the name of the new emir.

A statement by the Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Alhaji Shehu Umar Danyaya, yesterday disclosed that the emergence of Alhaji Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro came on the heels of the demise of Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III.

The statement added that “the appointment of the new Emir followed the decision of the Kingmakers of Borgu Emirate Council as all the kingmakers voted in support of the former Marafan Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro, who was among the contestants to the stool from the ruling house of Gbemusu that indicated interest in the vacant position.”

According to the SSG, the new emir of Borgu is expected to bring his knowledge and wealth of experience to bear on the performance of his new assignment by improving on the achievements of his predecessor.

The new Emir of Borgu was born on February 2, 1966 at Old Bussa, and graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied law and was called to the Nigerian Bar.

Apart from his private law practice, the new emir, like his late father, had a stint in politics before quitting the stage to focus on his private law practice and business.

He is married to two wives and they have seven children.

The Niger State governor is expected to officially present the new emir with his letter of appointment and he will formally assume office today in the presence of key members of the Borgu Emirate Traditional Council as well as the traditional council of the state led by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar

The 16th Emir of Borgu Kingdom, the late Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III, died on October 30 this year in a German hospital after a protracted illness.