As His Royal Highness, Emir Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, marks his 60th birthday, I find myself reflecting not only on the office he occupies but also on the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. His journey through banking, law, diplomacy, public administration, and traditional leadership has given him a perspective that combines respect for institutions with an appreciation of the human dimension of leadership.
Early Warning and Crisis Management
On the evening of 28th March 2022, while I had briefly stepped out of the office, I received a call from His Royal Highness. He had received information that something appeared to be wrong with a train on the Kaduna-Abuja railway corridor. At the time, the details were sketchy. Yet, the concern in his voice was enough for me to immediately return to the office and begin making contacts. As events unfolded, the information proved well-founded. That night would become one of the most difficult in Kaduna State's recent history.
More than three years later, I still recall that conversation. Not because it was the first time His Royal Highness drew attention to an emerging security concern, but because it reflected qualities I had come to observe repeatedly over the years: attentiveness to developments on the ground, an extensive network of community contacts, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people he serves.
Community-Based Security Approach
One thing that stood out throughout our engagements was his keen interest in security matters and his grasp of developments across communities. We constantly exchanged views on emerging threats and possible responses, not only within the Zazzau Emirate but in other parts of the state as well. He was a strong supporter of the community-based approach we adopted in managing security challenges. The traditional institution under his leadership remained an important source of information and early warning. Through established channels, reports moved from the Ward Head to the Village Head, from the District Head to the Emirate Council, and onward to the government and security agencies.
We relied heavily on such reports. They were cross-checked with information from the security agencies and other intelligence sources available to the state government. In many cases, they helped us to better understand developments at the community level and respond appropriately.
The Tudun Biri Tragedy and Calming Influence
Another incident remains particularly memorable. On the night of the Tudun Biri tragedy, I found myself confronted with the challenge of managing an evolving and highly sensitive situation. While supervising the evacuation of the injured and coordinating efforts for the recovery of the deceased, I was also concerned about how best to communicate with the public in a manner that would prevent panic, speculation, and unintended consequences. Having initially informed His Royal Highness about the incident, I reached out to him again with an urgent request. I asked if he could record a brief voice message appealing for calm. Without hesitation, he agreed.
In his message, he expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, offered prayers, and reassured the public that the government, religious institutions, the Emirate, and the military were actively responding to the situation. He appealed to citizens to remain calm and allow the authorities to manage the emergency. Recognising the importance of the message, I immediately worked on it and produced a radio jingle that same night. We held it until the early hours of the following morning. As we convened an emergency security meeting, radio stations across the state began airing the message continuously. By the time information about the incident started spreading more widely, communities had already heard a calm and reassuring message from a trusted traditional leader. Security personnel had also been deployed to strategic locations, and the response was proceeding in an orderly manner.
The message was widely received and, from the feedback that followed, it resonated with many people. For me, it was a reminder of the influence traditional institutions can have in moments of uncertainty. At a time when emotions were understandably high, His Royal Highness's appeal for calm helped create the space needed for the authorities and emergency responders to carry out their work.
Mediating Complex Situations
I also recall another instance that revealed a different aspect of his leadership. A complex situation had arisen following a series of allegations of unprofessional conduct against some security personnel operating in a community within the Emirate. As concerns grew and opinions became increasingly entrenched, there was the real risk that the matter could erode trust between the affected community and the security agencies. Throughout the engagements that followed, His Royal Highness approached the matter with patience and an open mind. Rather than rushing to conclusions, he encouraged a careful examination of the facts and a broader understanding of the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
His interventions and observations helped shed light on aspects of the situation that had not initially received sufficient attention. As a fuller picture emerged, it became evident that the matter was more complex than it first appeared. The process ultimately led to a better understanding among all parties and helped preserve confidence between the community and the security agencies. The outcome was appreciated by key stakeholders. I recall that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, acknowledged His Royal Highness's insight and statesmanship in helping bring greater clarity to the matter and ensuring that it was handled in a manner that served the interests of both justice and stability.
Institution-Building and Historical Preservation
Beyond security and public affairs, I have also observed his approach to the administration of the Emirate. His experiences in banking, law, diplomacy, public administration, and traditional leadership have given him a broad perspective. Having served in the banking sector, the diplomatic service, and in public service at both the federal and state levels before ascending the throne, he brought to the Emirate a blend of experiences that continue to shape his approach to leadership and institution-building.
Perhaps the most visible expression of this commitment is the establishment of the Aliyu Dan Sidi Museum and Documentation Centre. More than a museum, it represents an investment in memory, scholarship, and cultural preservation. I found the choice of name particularly significant. Emir Aliyu Dan Sidi occupies an important place in the history of Zazzau. A scholar and ruler from the Mallawa dynasty, he was deposed by the British colonial administration in 1920 and died in exile a few years later. His story remains one of the defining chapters in the history of the Emirate. To me, naming the centre after Aliyu Dan Sidi was about more than honouring a former Emir. It reflected a determination to preserve institutional memory and ensure that important chapters in the history of Zazzau remain accessible to future generations.
Commitment to Education and Due Process
The same commitment is evident in his support for education. He understands its transformative value and has remained a strong advocate for expanding opportunities for learning, particularly among young people. If there is one principle that I believe runs through many of His Royal Highness's engagements and interventions, it is his abiding respect for due process, law, and order. Whether dealing with matters of security, community relations, development, or the affairs of the Emirate, he has consistently demonstrated a preference for consultation, fairness, and adherence to established processes. He understands that sustainable progress cannot be built on expediency alone. Institutions are strengthened when rules are respected, responsibilities are clearly defined, and decisions are guided by a sense of justice and accountability.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Service
As His Royal Highness marks his 60th birthday, I find myself reflecting not only on the office he occupies but also on the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. His journey through banking, law, diplomacy, public administration, and traditional leadership has given him a perspective that combines respect for institutions with an appreciation of the human dimension of leadership. The episodes I have recounted here represent only a fraction of the many occasions on which I had the privilege of interacting with him in public service. Yet they offer a glimpse into the qualities that have come to define his leadership: attentiveness to the concerns of communities, a commitment to dialogue, respect for knowledge, an appreciation of history, and a belief in the importance of building institutions that can endure beyond individuals.
Whether during moments of crisis, deliberations on matters of security, discussions on education and development, or efforts aimed at preserving the history and heritage of the Zazzau Emirate, His Royal Highness has consistently demonstrated a sense of responsibility to both present and future generations. As he celebrates this milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah grants him continued good health, wisdom, and strength, and many more years of service to the people of the Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State, and Nigeria.
Samuel Aruwan is a former commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State and a postgraduate student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
