The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has called on Nigerians to come together in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes in the country.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, the Sultan said terrorism, robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes are not restricted to a particular religion or region of the country.
The Sultan who congratulated Governor Oshiomhole on his re-election said “the people of Edo State brought you back to continue your good works. The challenge is now for you to continue with the good works. When I came, I saw so many changes. I think the people of Edo State did the right thing to allow you to continue to steer the ship of state so that you could continue the good work you are doing”, he added.
On the violent crimes which have pervaded parts of the country in the recent times, the Sultan said: “some years back, we watched with amazement when we see suicide bombers and car bombers, we thought we could not have such things in our country. But we have them now. It is not a particular religion or ethnicity that specializes in such terrorist or criminal activities in the form of kidnapping or armed robbery, but I believe that we must all come together to resolve these issues the best way possible for our country”.
He stressed that the “challenges that come our way can ginger us to strengthen our resolve to meet them headlong, defeat them collectively in unity and forge a national cohesion.”
In his response, Governor Oshiomhole said the Sultan is a bridge-builder who commands respect in all parts of the country, noting that the honour on the Sultan by the Igbinedion University, Okada was well-deserved.
According to him, “I appreciate the leadership which your Eminence has continued to provide by way of building bridges across the length and breadth of the country and amplifying to all of us what unites us as a people and those values of unity, hardwork, tolerance and brotherhood. A lot of Nigerians admire you a lot and you have a lot of fanatical admirers.
“At this point in time Nigerians need leaders like your eminence on the side of truth, peace and unity to help build the nation”, he added.
