The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, wants Nigerians to subordinate their religious beliefs to the nation’s unity.
Alhaji Abubakar III, who gave the advice when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Godswill Akpabio at Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, emphasised that unity and peace are panacea for the development of the country.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III
The Sultan, who was in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital for the third Unity Conference of the South-South and South-East Muslim UMMAH, remarked: ‘’The conference is an important one. Whether we are Christians or Muslims, we must live in peace with one another in whatever part of the country we find ourselves. If we are united, we would contribute better to the development of the country. So, we must put aside our differences and embrace peace and unity’’.
Describing Akwa Ibom as a conference capital of Nigeria, he acknowledged that the governor has positively impacted the lives of people in the state and in the country, stating, ‘’We have seen your handwork in a particular manner and dealings. You are just and fair in what you do and I can see that government is working here. You have stood out to be counted and would continue to be counted’’.
Abubakar described Akpabio as a strong pillar in building a country known for peace and unity, and enjoined other Nigerians to emulate such exemplary leadership qualities as patience, humility, foresight and perseverance, among others. The governor called for unity and peace not just across the inter-faith but among the ethnic groups in the country.
Akpabio said unity and peace could be possible when Nigerians learn to work with people outside their faith and ethnic groups, remarking ‘’Intolerance breeds extremism, while the latter breeds conflict’’.
He hinted that his administration has exemplified unity and tolerance through the appointment of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC) from Bauchi State, Chief Security Officer (CSO) from Kogi State and his Orderly from Kaduna State.
