The Board of Trustees of the Zuru Emirate Development Society (ZEDS) in Kebbi State has dissolved its National Executive Committee, led by retired Air Vice Marshal Bala Salau, with immediate effect.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Board of Trustees chaired by the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami, Sami Gomo III, at his palace in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by the Sadaukin Zuru, Abdullahi Idris, the Emirate Council said the dissolution followed concerns over what it described as the former leadership’s ineffectiveness and lukewarm attitude towards peace, unity, development and security in the emirate.
The council alleged that the dissolved executive, which assumed office in 2022, had made no significant contributions to education, socio-economic development, infrastructure or security. It also accused members of being largely based outside the emirate and failing to maintain regular consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Following the dissolution, the Board appointed Alhaji Yusuf Wade as the new National President of ZEDS and tasked his administration with repositioning the organisation and strengthening its engagement with communities across the emirate.
The new leadership is expected to focus on infrastructure development, monthly contributions from Zuru indigenes and partnerships with mining companies through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Emirate Council also said the organisation would pursue inclusive and non-partisan development across ethnic and religious communities, stressing that the Emir of Zuru remained a leader and father to all.
Wade, a retired director in the Ministry of Education, was also described as an experienced education administrator. He previously served as secretary to a committee of 16 professors chaired by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on educational improvement.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures and traditional stakeholders, including Major-General (Senator) Muhammad Magoro, Lieutenant-General Ishaya Bamaiyi, Justice Danlami Zama Senchi, members of the Zuru Emirate Council, representatives of the five chiefdoms, local government chairmen and district heads.
The restructuring marks a new phase for ZEDS, with the new administration expected to prioritise grassroots engagement, development initiatives and closer collaboration with communities and other stakeholders.
