The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sultan

  • Sultan’s salvo

    •The call to prosecute corrupt persons was a brilliant intervention from the monarch

    It was a strong, emphatic and resonant voice from the throne. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, came out swinging against a corrupt political, business and bureaucratic class. He asked the president to be unsparing in his fight against corruption, and all those who are found culpable should suffer for their explosion of the people’s trust and violation of our patrimony.

    Hear him: “Mr. President, we are 100 percent in support of you and your fight against corruption in this country and it is our belief that all those found guilty should not only have their entire assets seized and forfeited to government but also face jail sentences.”

    He made this assertion and call at a summit on security in Abuja on August 17. What he said is in sync with the reverberations going on in the country as President Muhammadu Buhari has initiated moves seen to be targeted at those who have made short work of our resources in the past few years.

    Particular attention has been focused on the Jonathan regime, and the nation is witness to a flurry of unsavoury news about sleaze and impunity. The oil industry reflects the scum. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has been seen as the fulcrum of the dip into dirt. For instance, we do not know how much oil we sell, we do not know how much money we earn. The idea of fuel subsidy has been revived in national conversations across the land. How much have they stolen, and how much can we recover?

    President Buhari has shown that he can stand against the tide of vermin in the system. But we are learning that the fight on corruption does not stay in the oil alone. It is all over the system. The federal civil service has unearthed its own underside of maggoty proportion. Investigations are on over the sum of $2.1m raw cash that one top civil servant is believed to be carrying, so as to put it in furtive safe keeping. That is a carryover from the Jonathan era where dollars dwarfed the local currency of Naira as the means of exchange and the instrument of reward.

    In the heat of the election cycle, the then president reportedly swung his campaign to the southwest where he made the rounds in traditional palaces and churches, and the scandal heaved the nation from a sense of predictable to unpredictable scandals. Some of the church sources of news said they received dollars from the president as well as the traditional rulers.

    It was unbelievable, and many Nigerians for their own good sense did not want to believe that our patrimony was subjected to such brazen abuse.

    But the Buhari administration has found, too, that the situation is not restricted to oil. The firing of the NIMASA boss, the reversal of the appointment of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) boss, the dissolution of federal boards and parastatals, etc. reflect a sense that the full gamut of public life suffers from wholesale infection of the absurd called corruption.

    At the time of writing, the revelations that the NPA made N162 billion last year but remitted only N2 billion is mind-boggling. Other bodies like the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Nigerian Railway Corporation are under investigation for colossal thieving.

    The point must be made though that a bandwagon on the fight for corruption must be carried out without a sense of witch hunt or the vanity of applause. A professional work must be done. It is possible that at this time many persons would seek revenge, and want to score points either for partisan and ethnic reasons.

    Caving to such impulses can easily undermine the trust in the process and turn the whole campaign into a revanchist failure.

  • Sultan to Buhari: corrupt officials should go to jail

    Sultan to Buhari: corrupt officials should go to jail

    The Sultan yesterday backed President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption battle, recommending jail for treasury looters.

    To Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III,  treasury plunderers  do not deserve mercy. They should be tried and jailed, the Sokoto monarch said.

    The monarch said: “It is our belief that all those found guilty should not only have their entire assets seized and forfeited to government but also face jail sentences.”

    It was all at the opening of a National Security Summit organised by the police in collaboration with The Sun Publishing Limited in Abuja. The President said more hands were on the way for the police.

    He spoke of a plan to recruit 10,000 to  strengthen the capacity of the police to fight insurgency and other crimes.

    The summit’s theme is “Community partnership approach to internal security and crime management”.

    Besides, Buhari said his administration was considering Close Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring systems for major cities and towns to address security challenges.

    The Sultan was not alone in the support for the anti-corruption war. Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, publisher of The Sun, also backed the President.

    The former governor advised that the anti-graft battle should be targeted at the real culprits and not political foes.

    Speaking of the theme of the summit, the President reminded the police that no matter how well motivated, equipped and successful they think they are, they cannot operate without the support of the various communities.

    The President said: “The need for community input to crime management and policing in Nigeria has become more imperative, considering our current national security challenges in which kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, transitional crimes, terrorism and other organised crimes evolve and threaten our national values and overall progress as a nation.”

    To address the challenges, including unemployment, illiteracy, radicalisation, negative peer group influence, substance abuse and erosion of family and moral values, President Buhari restated his promise to empower the youth.

    “The Federal Government is planning to employ at least an extra 110, 000 police officers and establish a properly trained and equipped Federal Anti-Terrorism Multi-Agency Task Force that will effectively address the challenge of future insurgency in a sustainable manner.”

    On the installation of CCTV systems, the President said: “In order to further strengthen the security of the public space, consideration is being given to the extension of the CCTV Monitoring Systems across major cities and towns in the country while the police accountability mechanism will be strengthened.”

    He also spoke of efforts being made to enhance the operational capacity of policemen through a tailor-made training programme that will give them the right civil orientation in their roles as guidance of the constitution.

    Speaking on the welfare of police officers, the Sultan said: “We should face the task of reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure that our security agencies truly become 21st Century organisations, able to discharge their mandate effectively and efficiently. We should be able to cater for their operational needs and the welfare of their members.

    “Institute national integrity plan for the country as soon as feasible, which will refocus our ethical, moral and spiritual energies and the indomitable spirit of our people into building a peaceful, prosperous and democratic country, which shall take its pride of place among the comity of nations.

    “The last few years have undoubtedly been trying period for this country. Blood has been shed with impunity and reckless abandon, lives have been lost, livelihoods have been shattered and entire communities have been dislocated. A significant percentage of our population has become refugees in our own homeland.”

    He, however, urged traditional and community/religious leaders and the entire citizenry to come together to ensure that the suspicion and mistrust of the past give way to major trust and understanding.

    The Sultan spoke about how the Caliphate fought corruption. He said: “As from early stage, the leaders realised that they needed honest people at all levels to be able to establish a decent state. Leaders, according to Sultan Mohammed Bello, are a spring of water and all your officials are like water ways. If the spring is pure, the filth of the waterways cannot harm it. If on the other hand the spring is polluted, the purity of the waterways will have little effect on the purity of the water. And I can say Alhamdulilai, in Mr. President, we have a pure spring as our president.

    “On his employees, the ruler was asked to estimate their wealth before appointing them and should watch their conduct at all times. He shall confiscate whatever is in excess of their legitimate income and if in doubt, confiscate half of it. To his subject, you will be shepherd of flock amongst ravening lions, for from evil employees proceeds all manner of corruption in every learning.

    “On bribery and gift taking, Sheik Abdullahi Fodio could not be more emphatic… Another thing agreed upon as being illegal is the collection of bribes on behalf of the leader or other officials like the judges and other employees. It is also illegal to accept gifts from the common people for such action is the door leading to all calamities. Where a gift finds its way to a man of authority, justice and goodness will find their way out of him and what he does is to purchase for himself a place in hell.

    “Mr President, we are 100 percent in support of you and your fight against corruption in this country and it is our belief that all those found guilty should not only have their entire assets seized and forfeited to government but also face jail sentences.”

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase urged the President to persuade the National Assembly to pass the Police Trust Fund Bill into law.

    The Bill will address adequate funding for the police.

    Arase said: “Through effective funding, the welfare needs of police personnel will be met and the challenge of corruption that has eroded professionalism and public respect for police officers will be addressed.

    “Consider funding options for the police. In so doing, consideration may be given to the resuscitation and passage of the Police Trust Fund (Establishment, etc) Bill, which has been pending in the National Assembly since 2012.

    “Like the Education Tax Fund, the bill seeks to tax corporate entities in order to complement the Federal Government in funding the police.

    “If passed into law, it will give effect to the concept of public-police partnership while addressing the funding challenges of the Police on sustainable basis.

    “This is because modern policing is a cost-intensive venture, but the benefits of a well-funded Police Force far outweigh the value of the budgetary investment. For it is only through adequate funding that the huge logistics demand of the police can be met and operational efficiency assured.”

    Kalu said the President must be focused in his fight against corruption.

    His words: “Do not pursue corruption the way some of your predecessors pursued corruption. The fight should not be by fighting individuals that have not done anything, but you should fight anybody, no matter his tribe, ethnicity, colour or person. Whoever is involved in corruption should not be spared.

    “Corruption in the past had been fought based on political disagreement; corruption in the past had been fought because you don’t like a face.

    “Don’t focus on catching any governor. If you cannot catch the governor because he has immunity, please don’t catch the mother like the former President said,” Kalu said.

     

  • Sultan advocates rent control boards

    Sultan advocates rent control boards

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday advocated the establishment of rent control boards to curb insecurity.

    The monarch, who spoke when he visited Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal during the Eid-il-Fitr, said the boards should be charged with the responsibility of keeping a national database of landlords and tenants.

    He added: “Doing so will reduce kidnapping and other crimes.

    “Such a nationwide database will enable the government and the security agencies to know who to get hold of if there is any problem.”

    The Sultan urged Nigerians to see security as a collective duty and not that of the government alone.

    He advised the government to introduce a state-wide school shuttle bus service to alleviate the suffering of pupils.

    The royal father enjoined the government to revive the development fund to boost socio-economic development.

    He appealed to the government to ensure the utilisation of dams to boost irrigation.

    According to him, “the Sultanate Council will sustain the cordial relationship between it and the government.”

    Governor Tambuwal hailed the Sultan for the visit and his efforts to promote peace and unity in the state and in the country.

    He added: “Your steadfastness towards ensuring peace, unity and stability of Nigerians, irrespective of divide, is encouraging and should be sustained.”

  • Sultan wants measures to curb rustling, kidnapping

    Sultan wants measures to curb rustling, kidnapping

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for stringent measures to curb the increasing menace of insurgency, cattle rustling and kidnappings.

    According to reports, the Sultan made the call in Sokoto yesterday in his Sallah message to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.

    The sultan said that all Nigerians, both the leaders and the led, were concerned over the loss of lives in the North East and other parts of the country.

    Abubakar noted with concern the increasing spate of cattle rustling in Sokoto and Zamfara states, as well as kidnappings across the nation.

    He appealed to the government to involve traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to eliminate these crimes.

    The monarch appealed to the Muslim Ummah to sustain the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast.

    Abubakar also urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences.

    The monarch further called for sustained efforts to ensure the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise in terms of transportation and accommodation on intending pilgrims.

    The  event was attended by the second republic President Shehu Shagari and Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, among other dignitaries.

  • Dogara’s claim of Sultan’s support

    During his thanksgiving church service in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, on June 21, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara was quoted widely, as having poured encomium on persons and institutions that he claimed had been instrumental to his victory at the controversial June 9 election at the House which pitched him against the preferred candidate of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). Prominent among those who he claimed were instrumental to his victory over Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was the respected Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.

    The linkage of the Sultan’s name to that controversial election which raised dusts that are yet to settle, has raised eyebrows across the country. This is mainly because of the respect and acclaim that he has gained across the religious and ethnic divides in the country due to the way he has comported himself with grace and dignity, by keeping himself and his exalted office above the murky waters of partisan politics.

    Having followed the activities of the sultan, since his early days on his exalted throne, it is not hard to chart his involvement in areas that are far-removed from partisan politics. Many who first encountered him through his activities as the co-chair of the Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC) note his transparent and manifest passion for inter-religious dialogue and understanding which stood out and did a lot to bridge the gaps of religious and ethnic understanding, which were being created through the bigotry of some politicians and religious leaders, across the board.

    In concert with Archbishop John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja as well as the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sultan Abubakar’s roles in the promotion of peace and unity of the country was very evident.  The mileage gained in inter-religious understanding for the country through the cooperative efforts of the two men and the groups they led became deep and real. The trust that had started to build was so real that the Sultan became the first-ever Muslim leader to participate directly in a major Christian activity at the highest level.

    On April 20, 2010, the Sultan delivered a keynote address at the National Executive workshop of CAN in Abuja. The paper entitled, “You and Your Muslim Neighbour” sought to wipe out, by explaining any remaining vestiges of misunderstanding between the two major groups in the country. That sterling gesture was later reciprocated when Bishop Idowu Fearon, a top Christian leader also participated in and delivered a paper at a meeting of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Kaduna.

    Even when these efforts by the Sultan seemed to have suffered a setback as Pastor Ayo Oritesjafor, who lacked the type of chemistry that existed between the Sultan and Onaiyekan, became the CAN leader, the Sultan was not fazed. Even when it became obvious that the gains of religious entente recorded by NIREC were being slowed down, or even derailed, the Sultan refused to be diverted from the path of search for religious and ethnic harmony which he had fervently committed himself to.  Onaiyekan continued to give their attention to other aspects of NIREC initiatives that had great impact of the lives of Nigerians, irrespective of their tongues and creed.

    In   2008 the Sultan and Archbishop Onaiyekan, as NIREC co-chairmen, had founded the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association (NIFAA), with funding support from the Nigerian government, the World Bank, the Centre for Interfaith Action on Global Poverty (CIFA), and other international funders, with the aim of joining the raging battle against malaria. NIFAA was an instant and resounding success, such that it was able to train up to 300,000 Christian and Muslim missionaries in malarial control activities that included the distribution of treated mosquito nets right to the remotest parts of the country. Tony Blair, former British prime minister, was among the many leaders that took direct interest in the project, having participated in NIFAA training initiatives in Nigeria in 2010. Today NIFAA’s activities which are being coordinated by Bishop Sunday Onuoha from Abia State have become so institutionalized that they are being copied by some African countries, like Liberia.

    If NIFAA has not become a household word in the Nigerian media, it is because both Sultan Abubakar III and Cardinal Onaiyekan are self-effacing leaders who do not court publicity for self-aggrandisement. Nevertheless, the international community had taken adequate notice of these phenomenal contributions by the two selfless Nigerian leaders, as they were co-nominated for Nobel Prize for Peace, in 2012. In fact, they were placed at the fourth position in the nomination list that had more than 100 nominees.  Significantly, it was after that the Catholic Church elevated the erstwhile Archbishop John Onaiyekan to the position of a Cardinal.

    If one has gone to this length, it is to show that the Sultan of Sokoto who had placed himself and activities over and above the limits of local partisan politics and had rather, in addition to his traditional and these adopted activities for peace of harmony in his Sokoto Caliphate and beyond, has had a timetable fully logged with premium intellectual and humanitarian activities at home and abroad. His intellectual and leadership qualities have been recognized far and wide, such that his views and ideas have been in high demand at the most important portals at home, but particularly abroad.

    Since the incidence of the Boko Haram insurgency, the Sultan has had his plate full with efforts to stem the tide. He has also had to contend with the frustrations of failed promises and multi-speaks of officials of government. But all the same, he has kept his eyes on the ball and has not failed to contribute his bit, covertly and in secret, to the many efforts to end the Boko Haram scourge. There is no doubt that he will continue to play such roles in the current dispensation.

    It stands to reason that because the Sultan has had his own loaded national and international agenda cut out for him, it is doubtful if he would have had time for partisan politics. Added to the fact that he cannot find the time for that, the Sultan who has been exposed to all manners of training in leadership and strategic planning is aware that in order continue to enjoy the respect and acclaim of all, he must be impartial and make himself available to all. That must have been why he has left his door open to members and leaders of all the parties, religions and ethnic groups.

    It was, therefore, a big surprise to many observers of the Sultanate that the same man was alleged by the Speaker to have helped him achieve victory in a partisan contest. It would not be hard to deduce that the Sultan would not be pleased to be dragged into the vortex of partisan politics after his manifest and honest efforts to stay far and above it. Hence, keen watchers are imagining that Hon Yakubu Dogara must have misrepresented the roles of the Sultan, if there was any.

    The Sultan of Sokoto is one of the few leaders in Nigeria today that have kept their heads high, over and above the fray of partisan and primordial politics of the country. That is why the Sokoto Caliphate has – and would for a long time continue to – remain relevant and enjoy the respect of all and sundry, because the likes of the current 20th Sultan has, through good and sound education and upbringing, come to appreciate the need to preserve the timeless legacies that were laid down by their great forebear, Sheikh Uthman dan Fodio. Sultan Abubakar III knows that the best way to preserve the institution is to keep it and himself away from partisan politics. He has done that very well to the admiration of all and sundry. It would be too late in the day for him to depart from that path now.

    From the foregoing, it is very doubtful that the Sultan would have had anything to do with Dogara’s fortunes. It was, therefore, wrong for the Speaker to have dropped his name so cavalierly in the manner he did.

    ‘It is very doubtful that the Sultan would have had anything to do with Dogara’s fortunes. It was, therefore, wrong for the Speaker to have dropped his name so cavalierly in the manner he did’

    • Ekeh, writer and political scientist, wrote from Abuja

     

  • Sultan distributes bags of rice

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI),  Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday launched the distribution of relief materials.

    They included 18,000 bags of rice, to Internally- Displaced Persons (IDPs), from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

    The Sultan said the materials, which also included 250 tins of vegetable oil, were to alleviate the sufferings of the IDPs.

    He said the items were not to be sold by the beneficiaries, stressing that they were meant to assist them in their trying moments.

  • Sultan honours Wamakko with Sarkin Yakin Sakkwato

    Sultan honours Wamakko with Sarkin Yakin Sakkwato

    Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhamamd Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday conferred the title of Sarkin Yakin Sakkwato on outgoing Governor Aliyu Wamakko.

    The frontline monarch urged the people not expect the governor’s successor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to be like him.

    He said: “No two persons can be exactly the same in all respects of human existence. But I believe that with our support and cooperation, Tambuwal is capable of taking Sokoto State to its promised destination.”

    Abubakar spoke yesterday at a farewell visit to Wamakko.

    The monarch was accompanied by other traditional rulers and title holders in the Seat of Caliphate to the outgoing governor at the Government House in Sokoto.

    Abubakar, who presented the governor’s letter of appointment as the Sarkin Yakin Sakkwato, said a date would be fixed for the turbaning.

    The Emir noted that Wamakko had been a good representative, a steady planner, an honest and dedicated instrument for change.

    He said: “We have seen all these qualities you exhibited for the good of the state and beyond. You worked for the peace, stability and security of the state and equally as an agent of true change, which has come to fruition.

    “We have seen your work, which cuts across sectors of the state’s economy.

    “We have all along been peaceful with you throughout your eight years in office without any misunderstanding.

    “You have shown the world that you are capable and competent at defending the cause of your people and Nigerians.

    “It is rare to find an outgoing governor who, in less than 24 hours, is still pulling a crowd of supporters wherever he goes. This is to say you are still needed. We hope you will continue to build on the legacies you are leaving behind.”

    Wamakko thanked the Sultan for supporting his administration throughout its eight-year span.

    The outgoing governor described the visit as historic in his life’s journey.

    He pledged to always support the efforts to further develop the state.

    Wamakko noted that change was a difficult phenomenon.

    He said: “But with faith in Allah and good conscience, it is achievable.”

    The outgoing governor solicited the support he enjoyed from the people to Tambuwal and his deputy, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu.

    He said the incoming administration was capable of taking the state ton greater heights.

    Also, Wamakko received yesterday the state’s 2014 Hajj committee’s report.

    The outgoing governor hoped it would guide the incoming administration to take the right decisions on future Hajj operations.

    The report, which was submitted by the committee’s chairman and Senator-elect for Sokoto South, Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba Daboa, marked Wamakko’s last official function as governor.

    Wamakko expressed appreciation to the committee for doing a good job.

    He said: “I am sure the report will guide the incoming administration to ensure smooth hajj operations in subsequent exercises.

    “I will like to use this opportunity to thank and extend my appreciation to all the sacrifices you made to ensure smooth and hitch-free conduct of the 2014 Hajj for the state’s contingent.

    “I also appreciate the way and manner the Head of the state’s pilgrims’ agency cooperated and worked with you.”

  • Sultan to ‎GEJ, GMB: Accept election result in good fate

    Sultan to ‎GEJ, GMB: Accept election result in good fate

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (‎JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has told President Goodluck Jonathan, General Muhammadu Buhari and other political gladiators to accept whatever is the outcome of Saturday Presidential election in good fate.

    He also charged Muslims in the country to embark on fasting and prayer on Thursday for a violence-free election.

    Sultan made the call in a statement he issued through the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu and made available to newsmen in Kaduna Wednesday.

    According to the statement, ‎”In the event that the Results are announced by the Electoral Empire, JNI implores the political gladiators to take the outcome in good fate and be sportsmanship. This is so because, if ALLAH (SWT) spares our lives, we shall witness many more elections in Nigeria.

    “The polity should not be overheated and the fragile peace in Nigeria should not be jeopardized.

    “All forms of irregularities should be appropriately directed to the competent courts of law which are in tandem with best known practices across the globe.

    “It ‎is our prayers that free, fair, and credible General Elections would be held in Nigeria. May the Almighty Allah continue to grant us peace, security, prosperity and development in Nigeria. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

    “Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, urges the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to continue praying fervently for a hitch free General Elections in Nigeria.

    “Consequently, he specially calls on all Muslims to utilize the usual Thursday voluntary fasting coming up on 26th March, 2015, to fast and seek Allaah’s intervention in the forth-coming General Elections.

    “In the same vein, all Jumu’ah Mosques Imams’ are implored to centre their respective Khutbah-sermons for this coming Friday, 27th March, 2015, on violence free General Election period and offer special prayers to that effect.

    “On the other hand, JNI calls on all parents, guardians and other stakeholders to monitor very closely their children/wards before, during and after the elections. The youths should in the name of ALLAH (SWT) sheath their swords, as there are many more General Elections ahead, thus they should be calm, peaceful and law abiding before, during and after the General Elections.

    “Likewise, opinion leaders, labour and student unions, community leaders, women and youth organizations should closely synergize with security agencies at their respective domains in order to maintain absolute peace,” the statement read.

  • Sultan seeks protection for corps members

    Sultan seeks protection for corps members

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other personnel to man polling units.

    He spoke when the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi visited him in his palace.

    The sultan urged the public, especially politicians, to ensure the safety of corps members.

    Abubakar informed Olawumi of the directive from the Sultanate Council to all district heads to ensure safety of corps members in their domain. This, he said, should be replicated in other parts of the country.

    He enjoined corps members not to be deterred by upheavals of the past, but to consider their engagement in the elections as a national duty.

    Sultan Abubakar urged them to go into the electoral assignment with a high sense of patriotism and to avoid identifying with any party.

    He reminded politicians that winners had been pre-destined by God and wondered why some of them viewed elections as a do-or-die affair.

  • Sultan charges Muslims on security

    Sultan charges Muslims on security

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President- General, Nigeria Supreme Council for
    Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has enjoined Muslim youths to desist from actions that would compromise the nation’s security.
    The Sultan stated this at the formal opening of the annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Southern Zone held at Km 53, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
    Alhaji Abubakar who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) said Muslim youths should resist temptation from anyone to commit acts that would lead to violence as Islam remains a religion of peace.
    He said: “We have said it times without number that any act that breeds violence like the one being exhibited by Boko-Haram has no basis in Islam. As you are aware, our religion, Islam stands for peace as its name denotes.
    “So let us remain peaceful always so that we may live a peaceful life here and be accommodated in the home of peace in the life to come.”
    In a keynote address, the National President, MSSN, Mallam Sirajudeen Abd-Azeez, enjoined the federal government to find a lasting solution to the problem of insurgency which has continued to threaten the unity of the country.
    “The once great and giant nation is at the verge of collapse. It is no more a selling news that terrorism is on the rampage, taking over our lands on a daily basis. We want to reiterate that Mr. President should address the nation on why the country is under siege by the terrorists.
    “Why have the insurgents continued to beat the nation’s military arsenals despite the billions of dollars voted for security? Why have the terrorists become stronger even after a year when some states in the North- East have come under partial emergency rule”.
    AbulAzeez also called on President Jonathan to put a stop to the threat by his kinsmen to unleash terror if next year’s election did not favour them.
    “Different ethnic militia are threatening they will let all hell loose if their candidates are not elected. The worst threat is coming from the Niger-Delta militants who have been threatening to cause violence should their tribesman not return for second term,” he said
    He questioned the rationale behind the sentencing of about a hundred soldiers to death for demanding sophisticated equipment to fight the terrorists.
    “Why are these unfortunate warriors being tried secretly or secretly? Why is it that for the first time, the Nigerian army, which has been celebrated for successful peace keeping missions in many African countries are now rebellious and some have to be sentenced to death for making
    legitimate demands?”
    The National Legal Adviser of All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire, urged Musilms to always demand for their rights in legitimate manner.