The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, has commended the Governor of Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for their diligent handling of the different speculations reported in the media.
Alhaji Makanjuola in a statement made available to newsmen through his Personal Assistant on Thursday, July 4 described the duo of Governor Aliyu and Sa’ad Abubakar III as two illustrious sons of Sokoto state representing important democratic and religious institutions.
While cautioning the media to refrain from speculating negativity capable of causing tension as news reports, Alhaji Makanjuola described the political institution and the sultanate as two important and critical institutions that can not do without each other in the development and growth of the state.
Recall that several reports in a section of the media had speculated uneasy calmness between the Governor and the Sultan of Sokoto with allegations of grand move to strip the Sultan of his powers and influence.
However, the Sultanate in a counter reaction to dispel the speculations on the proposed amendment of Sokoto State Local Government Law 2008, at the opening of the public hearing on the amendment of the law, said the amendment would not strip the Sultan of his powers or functions.
The Sa’in Kilogri, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilogri said contrary to speculations, there is no issue between the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu.
Kilgori, who doubles as district head of Kilgori and council member of the Sultanate, said the Sultanate is aware of some enemies who are eager to create problem between the sultanate and the state government.
“There is no issue between the Sultan and Governor Ahmed Aliyu at all. The Sultanate is ready to operate under any law elected through due process. We have operated under different laws in the past and we are ready to operate under the new law.
“The Sultanate has operated under the law proposed for amendment for the period of 16 years. The Sultanate is ready to work hand in hand with government,” Kiglori said.
Alhaji Makanjuola in his statement commemded the role played by the duo to douse the recent tension in the state on account of speculations.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland lauded the sultanate for coming public with the true situation in finally laying the speculations to rest stressing the need for all to protect the sanctity of the sultanate and office of Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar as the sole representative and number one Muslim in the whole of Nigeria.
While narrating the supremacy of the Sultan in the affairs of Muslims in the whole of Nigeria, Alhaji Makanjuola said: “His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III CFR is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. As Sultan of Sokoto, he is the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims all over the world. Alhaji Abubakar is the heir to the two century-old throne founded by his ancestor, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.
“The Sultan is not just an ordinary leader, he is indeed a leader with multiplicity of responsibilities. Apart from being a monarch overseeing the seat of the Caliphate, he is also naturally the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA; Co-chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC; and President-General, Jama’tu Nasiril Islam, JNI.
“He is also the permanent Amirul Hajj and leader of the Federal Government delegation to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj operations in Nigeria, and considering his role and status in the society, it is expected that the age-long cordial relationship and robust affection between the state government and the Sultanate would not be jeopardized on the altar of politics.
Alhaji Makanjuola emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in resolving conflicts, particularly those with religious, political or ethnic undertones. He praised Governor Aliyu and the Sultan for their exemplary leadership, wisdom, and commitment to peace, which played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions and restoring calm to the state.
“This peaceful display of exemplary leadership by His Excellency, Governor Aliyu and His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Sultan Of Sokoto has reaffirmed our belief in the power of communication and understanding to overcome challenges.
“Governor Aliyu and the Sultan, Alhaji Abubakar have shown exceptional statesmanship and leadership in navigating this delicate situation and we’re proud as followers of the sultan and members of the Muslim community in Nigeria witness this remarkable show of maturity and love for peace by these two great leaders.” Alhaji Makanjuola said.
The Aare Musulumi further called on all stakeholders across the country to emulate the spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence demonstrated by the leaders of Sokoto State. He urged Nigerians to prioritize unity and harmony above all forms of interests and differences.