The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has tasked leaders on good governance, saying Nigerians are in a hurry to see positive changes that will renew their hopes.
He also urged Nigerians to prioritise the unity of the country and continue to work towards ensuring it remains one indivisible nation.
Sultan, who is the National Chairman of traditional rulers gave the task during the fifth anniversary of the 17th Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage-Mohammed (retd) in Lafia, on Saturday.
He revealed that there were problems in every country, adding that seccession was not the solution to the state of insecurity confronting the nation.
The Sultan of Sokoto, however, urged Nigerians to always pray for their leaders to succeed.
He also appealed to leaders at all levels to expedite action toward tackling the economic hardship and security challenges bedeviling the country.
He said, “We know that our leaders are trying, but the people are in a hurry to see positive changes that will renew their hopes for a better life.”
He pointed that the presence of traditional rulers across the country in the state was a demonstration of unity and called on other Nigerians to follow suit.
“We are showing the whole world that royal fathers in this country are united, just look at the list of traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones that honoured the occasion,” he added.
Earlier, Ibn Umar-Garbai, Shehu of Borno,
appealed to Nigerians to provide credible information about the activities of Boko Haram insurgency, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the north east and in other parts of the country.
“When we keep quiet about the activities of criminals in our areas, we are inviting problems, so we should continue to enlighten our people to work with security agencies as traditional rulers,” he said.
On his part, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State welcomed the traditional rulers across the country who graced the occasion.
Sule also congratulated the Emir of Lafia who doubled as Chairman of the state traditional council on his fifth anniversary on the throne.
The governor expressed joy over the support of the Emir and the entire traditional rulers of Lafia emirate for his administration since 2019.
He pleged to redouble his effort towards improving the infrastructure and welfare of the people of the state.
Responding, the chief celebrant expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life and his people for their support in the last five years.
He also appreciated his colleagues and other well-meaning Nigerians who came from far and near to celebrate him and expressed optimism that the country would remain united.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that the dignitaries at the event included: the former governors of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno, Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Aku Uka of Ukari, Emir of Kano, Sarkin Bauchi, Emir of Zauzau, Edu Nupe, Lamidu of Adamawa, Emir of Biu, among others.
