2015: Sultan Urges Politicians To Close Ranks And Work For The People

Sultan-of-SokotoThe Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday, warned Nigerian politicians to dwell on politics of issues rather than hatred and insult as the 2015 general election draws nearer.

Speaking at his palace yesterday when he turbaned the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as Mutawallen Sokoto; Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Mohammed Zayanna as District Head of Gwadabawa, and three others, the Sultan said it’s a worthy venture to recognise people who have distinguished themselves in human endeavors.

The three others are: Alhaji Kabiru Tafida as Sarkin Fadan Sokoto, the Accountant General of the state, Alhaji Aminu Iya as Iyan Sokoto and Alhaji Fodio Kyari as Wamban Sokoto.

“The five of them that are being given traditional title today (yesterday) have not only shown respect to the people of Sokoto State but to the larger society and Nigeria. You have been in the limelight before, but today, the whole world has witnessed yet another greater responsibility bestowed on you.

“Occasions like this are very important in our cultural world. We must always recognise people who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavors. Today, we have turbaned one of our own sons who have shown dedication, who has shown loyalty, who has shown commitment to the service of humanity, most especially in our diverse country.

“We are very proud of your contributions to humanity. Your loyalty to us is unquestionable. We believe you are 100 percent capable of discharging your responsibility in any areas you find yourself.

“Whatever you do, you have to remember that you are now a titleholder of the Sokoto caliphate. Therefore, you must conduct yourselves very well with dignity”, Sultan advised.

Continuing, Abubakar III enjoined Nigerian politicians to truly owe their allegiance to the country because Nigeria, he said, is greater than anybody.

“I cannot end this short note without calling on all of you politicians to please close ranks and work for Nigeria. You are not there for yourself. Nigeria is much bigger than all of us. Therefore, politics of hatred, of personality should not be the case in 2015 campaign. We must play politics of respect for one another”.

The ceremony was witnessed by former military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ( rtd), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweramadu, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Sokoto State  Governor Aliyu Wamakko, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, serving and former Governors, National Assembly members and traditional rulers from different parts of the country.

Responding on behalf of the others, Tambuwal commended the Sultan for finding them worthy of the titles.

He also commended the Sultan’s relentless efforts towards ensuring peace and unity in Nigeria and beyond.

“We will continue to emulate our fore-bearers and support the Sultanate Council of Sokoto to ensure the success of its laudable activities”, he said.