THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar ll has urged Nigerians to avoid divisive elements pushing for the country’s disintegration.
Describing secessionists as “devils”, he said such agents are among the elite, who are bent on sowing the seed of discord to create animosity in the country.
Sultan Abubakar, who spoke in Bauchi at the inauguration of the ultra-modern Hajj Camp yesterday, urged Nigerians to live in harmony and not allow the few elite use them as tools for destruction.
The royal father said: “Do not let Satan create animosity amongst you. In fact, there are so many Satans in this country – Nigeria.
“So many people are doing a lot to dismantle this country and l believe we have a duty to rise up to the occasion and challenge those few elites, saying they must control this country, we must let the them know that, yes, we have a role to play and nobody can force us to do what they want us to do.”
Reminding promoters of division that election remains the only legitimate way to change any government, the Sultan said: “Like my dear brother Sheikh Sanni, said, ‘your vote is your power’. You can change any government by voting. Don’t allow anybody to steal your vote and it’s time for you to reorganise, strategise and have excellent leadership in this country.”
He charged those in positions of authority, ensure fairness to all in the discharge of their responsibilities, adding that they should not oppress the innocent as God hears their prayers for justice.
Lamenting the security challenges in some parts of the country, the Sultan called on Nigerians to intensify their prayers so that God will avert evils perpetrated by men.
He also called for urgent action by leaders to restore the confidence of Nigerians.
Sultan Abubakar said: “Leaders should always strive to do what the people want because it was the main reason they were voted into power by the people. What the country needs now is excellent and purposeful leadership
“Leadership has been bestowed on us by Allah. He expects us to be just, fair and equitable to all. We should know that one day; we will all give account of our stewardship in the hereafter.
“It is incumbent on us as leaders to discharge our responsibility to the best of our ability; the followers are looking up to us for effective leadership. That is what we have to do to make the country better.
“There is the need to promote peace and peaceful coexistence in the country because it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that development and progress can be made.
“If you see how we relate during our inter-faith meeting, you will understand the essence of peace and peaceful coexistence. Peace is what is needed to make things work out and progress made.”
