The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday urged Nigerians to pray for the country and its leaders. This is in order that the people and the country can be able to overcome the problems confronting Nation.
Alhaji Abubakar who doubles as the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers (NCTRN) also tasked Nigerian leaders on good governance.
The Sultan stated that Nigerians are in a hurry to see positive changes that will renew their hopes.
He stated this at the fifth coronation celebration of the Emir of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Justice Sidi Bage-Mohammed (rtd).
The Sultan said, “We know that our leaders are trying. But the people are in a hurry to see positive changes that will renew their hopes for a better life.”
He, however, pointed that the current socio-political problems in the country were not peculiar to Nigeria. The Sultan expressed enthusiasm that the challenges would be overcome with prayers and support of the generality of the people.
He appealed to leaders at all levels to expedite action on tackling the economic hardship and security challenges in particular.
Addressing those calling for the ethnic nationality. Abubakar said secession was not a solution to the security challenge.
The Sultan thanked the traditional rulers from different parts of the country who attended the anniversary.
“Their presence,” he said, “underscored the level of unity among them.”
“We are showing the whole world that Royal Fathers in this country are united. Just look at the list of Traditional Rulers from the six geo-political zones that honoured the occasion,” he said.
Also speaking, the Shehu of Borno, Ibn Umar-Garbai, appealed to Nigerians to be security conscious. He urged the people to always provide credible information about the activities of bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in terrorizing the country.
He said, “When we keep quiet about the activities of criminals in our areas, we are inviting problems. So, as traditional rulers, we should continue to enlighten our people to work with security agencies.
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, who was the host, welcomed the Traditional rulers. He thanked them for gracing the occasion and expressed gratitude to the Emir and the entire traditional rulers in the State for their support for his administration.
The Governor promised to redouble his effort towards improving the infrastructure and welfare of the people of the State.
Justice Sidi Bage-Mohammed expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life and his people. He thanked everybody for their support to him in the last five years.
He also appreciated his colleagues and other well-meaning Nigerians who came from far and near to celebrate him. The Emir also expressed optimism that the country would remain united.
source: The Nation
