By Sidi A. Umar
Sokoto
Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria Alhaji Muhammad S’’ad Abubakar III, has called on the country’s political leaders to emulate the values and principles of justice, fairness and good governance established by the founders of the Sokoto Caliphate.
The Sultan, who stated this while delivering his speech at a symposium organised as part of the activities to mark his 10th year anniversary on the throne, said the Caliphate was founded on the platform of knowledge, brotherhood, love, peace and good morals, noting that they were key to achieving sustainable development.
He noted that these ideals, were fast eroding the diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds that sought to bind the citizenry as a nation.
He said: “We will not fail Nigerians. We will continue to work hard in the overall interest of the people. We must know that our tribal or religious leanings are not the basis for been better people but piety and the fear of God.
“We should not clamour for riches but show contentment as demonstration of piety. We will go to any length to ensure the needed advancement for the good of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.”
Abubakar further urged Nigerians to always pray for their leaders when they do good so they can sustain the tempo and when they do bad, they should also pray for them to be guided on the right path.”
On his achievements, the monarch remarked that “my greatest achievement is the publication of a book on the Sokoto Caliphate in three different languages; Hausa, Arabic and English.”
The chairman, organising committee of the anniversary and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who described Sultan Abubakar as “a true representation of all sentiments,” noted that he remained a bridge builder, an epitome of modernisation and transformation through the ctive involvement of the traditional institutions.