Muslims and Christians “destined by Allah” – Sultan

By Saminu Ibrahim,Gusau
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar yesterday enjoined Muslims to leave peacefully with adherents of other faiths in the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of secretariat of the Zakat and Endowment in Gusau, Zamfara state the Sultan said Muslims should be law abiding and also respect constituted authorities, saying that without peace there would be no development.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar (l), with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, during his visit to Sokoto on on Thursday (24/5/12).NAN Photo

He added that Muslims wherever they are in the country should always strive to preach peaceful coexistence. “You should remember that it is Allah that has destined and joined Muslims and Christians together in the same country” he said.

Continuing he counselled that Muslims should be their brothers keeper, but should not discriminate against those who do not share the same belief with them; adding that in an atmosphere of violence nobody would have peace of mind to practice his religion.

“If there is curfew or violence here I am sure no one would have the courage to gather for this ceremony” he said.

He further stressed that Muslims in the country should avoid temptations that could breed break down of law and order in Nigeria; pointing out that in an atmosphere of rancour both the perpetrators of mayhem and innocent citizens suffers the consequences.

The Sultan congratulated Zamfara State Government for erecting the edifice and advised the authorities on maintenance culture; even as he eulogised past administrations in the state, particularly Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari for completing the project.

Earlier, Governor Yari said the commissioning of the project is part of  his modest achievements in one year in office; adding that about N60million was expended on the project initiated by former administration of Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi.