Buhari tasks traditional rulers on religious harmony, sustainable devt

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has tasked traditional rulers across the country to continue to work for peace, religious harmony and sustainable development of the nation.

Speaking at the inauguration of 500 housing units at Kalambaina Housing Estate, Sokoto State, on SSaturday, President Buhari regretted that the kind of peaceful coexistence experienced in the 60s, 70s and early part of the 80s among different ethnic and religious groups has waned.

He said: “It is an indisputable fact that in the 60s, 70s and even in the early part of the 80s, Nigeria was reputed for peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic and religious groups; the culture of discipline and patriotism was also highly safeguarded.

“Commitment to national development by all key players in governance was also visible. However, the situation, as we all know, has unfortunately changed,” he said.

Buhari said the inauguration of the housing units which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the installation of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji  Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, was not simply held for merriment but to provide opportunity for sober reflection.

He said events associated with the anniversary and, importantly, the relevance of value of the caliphate system must be the base for a progressive and self-reliant nation where, every citizen, irrespective of creed or tribal affiliation, was given opportunity for self-actualisation.

“In this regard, the Sultan and our highly esteemed royal fathers, our traditional institutions and indeed all patriotic citizens of this country have to continue to work for peace, religious harmony and sustainable development of our country,” he said.

He commended the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, for completion of projects started by the previous administration of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, saying this was a demonstration of humility and a fulfilment of promises to the people.