Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged governors to treat other people living in their states as indigenes to foster unity and tolerance in the country.
The Sultan’s call came after about 16 hunters were burnt to death by vigilantes in Edo State, a situation which generated condemnation in the country.
The Sultan who made the call during a Sallah homage to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Wednesday in Sokoto, said if all Nigerians are treated as indigenes, it would give Nigerians residing in the state a sense of belonging.
“In Sokoto, we don’t have non-indigenes, but rather members of the resident communities,” he added.
The monarch, therefore, called on other states to emulate this gesture to further foster sustainable peace, harmony and brotherhood among all Nigerians.
Sultan Sa’ad also stressed the need for state governors to emphasise the protection of the lives and property of the residents, describing security as the basis upon which all societies could progress.
“In Sokoto, we appreciate what the Governor is doing and we’d like to assure him of the support of the traditional institution so that he can continue the good work he’s doing in transforming our State.
“The Governor and our security agencies are doing their best and this has made the state record tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry,” the Sultan averred.
He also praised Gov Aliyu for the massive distribution of food items during the just-concluded Ramadan fast, which he said has never happened in the state.
He also called on Nigerians to always be law-abiding and desist from any act that may geopardise the long lasting peace the country is enjoying.
The Sultan frowned at the way and manner some citizens use social media to spread falsehood, misinformation and provocative statements that can undermine the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying.
He, therefore, called on the security agencies in the country to be watchful of the such citizens trying to create chaos in the land.
Responding, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu reassured of his administration’s determination to ensure security in the state, just as he blamed unemployment especially among the youths as the reason for the insecurity in many parts of the country.
He said many youths have joined informants’ groups just to be getting stipends to make ends meet.
“This administration has so far trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in different trades to make them productive members in the society.
“I want to assure you that we would soon embark on another massive skill acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths in our modest attempt to reduce restiveness among our youths,” he vowed
Gov. Aliyu further reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, adding that more Mosques and Islamiyya schools would continue to receive the desired attention from the state government.
He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and support to his administration and called for the sustenance of the prayers.
