By Sidi A. Umar
Sokoto
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday told politicians not to see traditional leaders as competitors or enemies, but as partners in progress working to move the country forward.
The Sultan made the call in his Sokoto while receiving the new emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, who paid him homage at his palace.
He said: “Politicians should listen to us. As Muslim leaders, we support whoever occupies a position, whether that of a president, governor or minister. So, there is need for synergy in order to move the country forward.
“We are partners in progress not competitors and we will not relent in giving the necessary advice to politicians because that is what is expected of us. We are not competing with politicians but will support whoever occupies the position of leadership at a particular time.”
He also advised politicians not to be afraid of traditional rulers, saying: “Don’t feel afraid, anytime you need our advice feel free to come.”
The Sultan further charged the new Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in order to continue to sustain the peace and tranquility that prevailed during his reign.
He said the emergence of Sanusi as the emir of Kano was an act of Allah, adding that he was destined to be the emir of Kano.
“It was an act destined by Allah who alone gives leadership to whosoever He wishes.”
He admonished the new emir to be fair and just and should lead his subjects on the path of God, and prayed to Allah to give him the wisdom and courage to see this new position as the father of his subjects and by extension all Nigerians.