History was made last night in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State as the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, became the first presidential candidate to ever visit the ancient town.
An elated traditional ruler of the town, His Roya Highness (HRH) Zubair Jibril Megwari II, bestowed on him the traditional title of Dakari Birnin Gwari.
The Nation reports that The Dakari title means the Fearless Warrior.
Kaduna State Governor Nasir el- Rufai, who shepherded the APC candidate to the town ravaged by banditry, was also given the traditional title of Sadoki Birnin-Gwari.
Asíwájú Tinubu was accompanied to the town, a distance of four hours on the bumpy road from Kaduna, by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Banduje (Kano), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau) as well as the APC governorship candidate in the state, Senator Uba Sani and many federal lawmakers.
“I never thought I would see the APC candidate and all of you here because of bandits and the bad road. We are so happy to see you. Whoever comes here cares for us and loves us. We appreciate you,” the monarch said.
Describing the APC candidate as the Jagaba of Nigeria, his chieftaincy title from Borgu Kingdom, the Emir noted that Tinubu had done a lot for Nigeria.
He prayed that God should answer his prayers to become Nigeria’s next.
Tinubu said he was delighted to be in Birnin Gwari, describing the town as blessed with arable land and other potential that can be of great benefit to the city, Kaduna and Nigeria.
He described Emir Jibril as one of the forthright leaders who has passion about the country.
Sympathising with the Emir and his people over the bandits’ attacks in the area, he said if elected he would frontally confront all forms of criminality in the land.
He also said President Buhari would not relent in his efforts to restore peace to the land.
“We promise you we will work relentlessly to change Nigeria,” he said.
El-Rufai said the APC candidate decided to visit Birnin Gwari after he heard that the place was afflicted by insecurity.
The governor said: “Asíwájú is the only presidential candidate to visit Birnin Gwari. President and Vice President don’t normally travel together.
“Even the presidential candidate and his vice presidential candidate don’t also travel together. But Asíwájú and Senator Shettima felt so concerned they resolved to travel here together to see our people.
“We have a team that cares and shares in your pain.” he said.
