Sultan of Sokoto cautions religious leaders against inciting comments

The Sultan of Sokoto, AlhajiSa’ ad Abubakar, has advised religious leaders to eschew inciting statements capable of igniting trouble among Nigerians.

Abubakar made the call at the Abdullahi Fodio award presentation and book launch in Birnin Kebbi, on Saturday.

The event tagged “Gwandu Emirate: the domain of Abdullahi Fodio since 1805,” was organised by the Gwandu Emirate Development Association.

He said inflammatory comments would further divide and polarise the nation, pointing out that every religion was preaching peace, unity and solidarity among its faithful.

The sultan condemned the insurgents’ activities pervading the Northeastern part of the country and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in curtailing the menace.

Abubakar also commended the Federal Government for reintroducing History as a subject in schools, stressing that without history humanity would not discover itself.

The sultan said the book, which chronicled the religious and cultural heritage of the Gwandu Emirate, was timely, saying that “we will continue to support historical findings.”

Earlier, in his remarks, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar, said the event was an attempt to reward those who contributed to the development of the emirate, especially the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the emirate.

Bashar commended the efforts of Buhari to diversify the economy and the fight against corruption.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in his book presentation speech at the event, extolled the virtues of Abdullahi Fodio.

He called on leaders to emulate the legacies of the late Islamic scholar, especially on federalism, revenue allocation and the rule of law.

He said as an elder statesman he would continue to support historical investigations with a view to promoting research and intellectual development.

Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu, commended the efforts of the Gwandu Emirate for launching the book and recognising those who contributed immensely to the development of the emirate.

Bagudu said the book would serve as very important tool in tracing the historical happenings in the emirate, stressing that  AbdullahiFodio was a hero.

He said the state government would continue to preserve historical facts and artefacts for ptesent generation and posyerity.

The governor also reiterated the state government resolve to continue to support agriculture.

Fourteen people were honoured during the ceremony.

They are; a former Chief Justice of Nigeria LegboKutigi, Aliyuwammako, retired Col. Sani Bello and AlhajiAlikoDangote, LamidoBirninBayero and Justice Abdulkadir Ore.

The others were Gov. AtikuBagudu, Jaiz Bank, IsahMafara, Usman Magawata, Prof. Aisha Aliyu and Chairman of Daily Trust Newspapers, Kabiru Yusuf.

A total of N101million was realised at the launching with the highest donation of N10 million from the former vice president,AtikuAbubakar.