The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sultan

  • Sultan berates religious leaders calling for war

    •Blames media for spreading falsehood

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has cautioned religious groups and leaders against comments that would mislead their followers into war.

    Abubakar gave the warning while addressing some Sokoto residents, heads of security agencies, religious leaders and journalists during a Ramadan breakfast dinner held at his palace on Monday night.

    The monarch cited a publication credited to some Christian leaders titled, “if Leah Sharibu dies in the hand of Boko Haram, there will be a religious war in the country,” saying such utterances were irresponsible.

    He reminded such religious leaders that “terrorism has no connection to religion or ethnicity.’’

    Abubakar added that in the event the girl was killed by the terrorists, the Christian leaders that made the comment must be held for complicity.

    “How can a leader make such comment,’’ he queried, and stressed that Muslims did not in any way connive with Boko Haram to abduct the girl or get others released.

    The Sultan reminded such Christian leaders that more Muslims have been killed by Boko Haram than Christians “which even the former President Goodluck Jonathan testified to.’

    “For some section to make that comment that if she dies in the hand of Boko Haram there will be a religious war is very unfair. How can someone begin to attack Muslims because this innocent girl happened to be a victim of murderous terrorists?

    “It means the Boko Haram group are winning the war because that is exactly what they want.

    “If they hear about this and went and kill the innocent girl that means you are part and parcel of what make them to do that because they want to cause confusion in the country.”

    He urged all Nigerians of goodwill to join in prayers for the safe return of the girl, and for peace and harmony across the country.

    The Sultan urged Journalists to avoid sensational and mischievous stories capable of dividing the peace along religious, ethnic and cultural roots.

    He berated the attitude of some media organisations who immediately broadcast stories without considering its sensitivity and negative consequences.

    The Monarch particularly, expressed displeasure with the way some television houses in the country such as Channels television station mischievously portray pictures of some people carrying  sophisticated weapons as Fulani herdsmen, noting that such pictures could influence the belief of many against Fulani herdsmen.

    “This can send wrong signals that Fulani herdsmen really carry guns and attack communities as they were consistently accused of.

    “There is no G4 riffle because it has been wiped away for long and that picture used particularly by a TV station was that of herders in Central Africa who were being terrorised by rustlers, because cattle rustling started in their country long before coming to Nigeria,” he noted.

    He threatened to disown the award of fellowship on him by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in protest against continued misleading and unverified stories aired or published by members of the union.

    Abubakar, who is the President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, however, stressed that the crises between Fulani and farmers were purely economic, now hijacked by a few criminal elements.

    He reiterated that the criminals killing innocent people especially in the Middle Belt must be arrested and punished.

    “But don’t arrest or kill innocent Fulani men just like what happened in Benue state when innocent Fulani people who were on transit, were stopped and killed by some residents of the state,” he cautioned.

    The Sultan expressed fear that the killings could continue because some politicians were using it to edge out their political opponents.

    “Nigerians should expose criminals in their midst, even if they are their parents or relations.

    “Let’s not leave them alone, don’t hide criminal even if they are your fathers, because too much blood had been shed and this is why God is angry with us.

    “I believe there are more good people than the bad ones, let the good come together and defeat the bad ones, we have done that while fighting malaria and we can do it again,” he said

    He also advocated for more effective tools and welfare for security agents working round the clock to restore peace in the country.

    He urged Nigerians to assist security agencies to overcome the nation’s security challenges.

    “Doing so, will encourage their efforts and operational capacity to positively face the security challenges bedevilling the country. This can be achieved by feeding the security with useful and intelligent information about movement of people with suspicious character around,” he said.

  • Sultan announces Thursday beginning of Ramadan fasting

    Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday as the first day for the beginning of the Ramadan fasting in Nigeria.

    Abubakar announced the citing of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a broadcast.

    He said the new moon was sighted in various places across the country that includeed Sokoto, Niger, Yobe, Port Harcourt, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and other areas.

    The Sultan said that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the country.

    “Opun due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1439 AH.

    ”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly.”

    He enjoined all Muslims to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, and use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

    “We further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he said.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims observe one month fasting.

    Fasting in the month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a compulsory religious obligation on all adult Muslims. (NAN)

  • Sultan, Sanusi, Dangote, Buratai, others grace Sheik Rabiu’s burial in Kano

    The remains of the Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya sect in West Africa and Khadimul Islam, Sheik Isiaka Rabiu, were committed to mother earth in Kano yesterday amid tears from thousands of sympathisers who thronged his palatial home at Goron Dutse in Dala Local Government Area of the state.

    The remains of the Sheik was brought before a large congregation of Islamic faithful in an ambulance at the Sheikh Muhammad Rabiu Mosque, named after his late father, Mohammadu Rabiu.

    The funeral prayer was led by Sheik Tijjani Aliyu Sisa, the Chief Imam of Kaulaha Mosque in Senegal, who stood in for Sheik Inyass before an unprecedented crowd that gathered at his residence, at exactly 2.33pm before he was finally buried at 2.45 pm.

    Sheik Rabiu died after a protracted illness at a London hospital on Monday at the age of 93 years.

    A well groomed Islamic scholar who had a memory of the Glorious Qur’an at the tender age of 14, he will be remembered for his doggedness in the pursuit of Islamic ideals and support for Qur’anic memorization.

    The Chief Imam of Kofar Mata, Sheikh Nasir Adam, described the late Khalifa as a dedicated and committed gentleman who served as an embodiment of justice, and a philanthropist to the core.

    As a close confidant to the late Sheik, the Chief Imam said the vacuum created by his death would be very difficult to fill.

    On his part, a business associate, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, described the late Rabiu as a very simple and humble reservoir of knowledge and, above all, a philanthropist who assisted most of the business tycoons in Kano and beyond to become what they are today.

    The late Rabiu was prominent as a result of his credential as someone who memorised the Glorious Qur’an at the age of 14; a feat that stood him out among his peers.

    Among those, who graced the funeral prayers were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi 11; the Chief of Army Staff, Brigadier Yusuf Tuýkur Burutai; Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar; Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; the Chairman Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former Speaker House of Representatives, Alhaji Gali Umar Na’abba and former Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

    Traditional rulers who attended the funerals included the Emir of Daura, Umar Farouk, and that of Ringim Sayyadi, Mahmoud Ringim, among others.

    The late Khalifa is survived by 42 children and so many grandchildren.

    The funeral prayer was conducted amidst tight security.

  • Guard your utterances, Sultan cautions politicians

    The Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has cautioned politicians to guard their utterances in the interest of peace. He said politicians should stop abusing each other.

    Speaking at the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Pre-Ramadan meeting in Kaduna yesterday, the Sultan called on leaders and the led to respect each other saying, “We are the only once that can bring an end to the challenges confronting us as a nation.”

    He said instances where political leaders go about abusing themselves publicly and being heard and seen on different media platforms nationally and internationally is not good for the country

    While expressing dismay over the rising cases of drug abuse and the intake of Codeine by people especially women and young girls in the Northern part of the country, the Sultan called on parents to monitor their wards to stop the scourge saying, “It has no positive impact on their lives.”

    He said, “We should assess what the government has done for the Muslim Ummah since their election and use it as a yard stick to determine who we will vote for in the elections because if we do not make the assessment, we might just end up voting for the wrong people and we would have to wait for another four or even eight years to elect new leaders.”

    He called on Islamic scholars to educate and enlighten Muslims during their sermons in their various mosques to using their votes to elect credible leaders that will prioritize issues challenging Muslims in the country.

    He frowned at the wanton killings of innocent lives going on in the country and called on security agencies to take proactive steps in tackling the menace.

     

  • Sultan charges parents on children education

    Sultan of Sokoto and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) President-General Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has urged Muslim parents to redouble their efforts at ensuring that their children acquire both Islamic and Western education.

    Abubakar, who spoke at the graduation of 33 students of the Madarasatul Najiml Huda Islamiyya, Mabera Sabon Gida, Sokoto, noted that religious education is fundamental in life and for the attainment of Allah’s blessings.

    Represented by the Sarkin Gabas of Kalambaina, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad, the monarch said: “It is, therefore, imperative for parents to dedicate themselves by committing their time and resources to the development of their children’s education.

    “Both western and Islamic educations are useful ingredients for building egalitarian, just and trusted generations for a disciplined and responsible society,” he stressed.

    A sermon with the theme: “Trust and Justice” delivered by a nine-year-old Abubakar  Suraj, which was translated by 12-year-old Hannatu Attahiru, underscored trust as an essential pillar that drives a responsible and disciplined society governed by good leaders.

    Suraj described leadership as a position of trust with responsibility, urging leaders to uphold the virtue and principles of trust and justice through which they could earn the respect of the society.

    Chairman on the occasion and former Head of Service in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Wali, noted that Islamic education has been in existence since creation.

    Highlights of the ceremony attended by numerous dignitaries, included the presentation of prizes and certificates to the 18 male and 15 female graduands who excelled in various categories.

     

  • How to foster national unity, growth, by Sultan, Tambuwal, Ajibola, others

    EMINENT Nigerians, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Justice Minister Bola Ajibola (SAN) and ex-National Commissioner for Insurance Oladipo Bailey, have argued that it was difficult for the nation to attain its full potential in the face of growing insecurity and widening division among the ethnic nationalities.

    To them, the nation’s quest for growth and economic prosperity was only realisable in a secure, peaceful and united environment, devoid of unnecessary rancour.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Tambuwal, Ajibola Bailey, a scholar, Dr. Mahmud Saidu and Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mauzu Hadeija (retd) spoke in Abuja on Saturday at a one-day lecture and award of patron/matron and honorary fellows.

    It was put together by the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (CILRMN) and The Defender online media.

    Those conferred with the institute’s awards are the Sultan of Sokoto, President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife Aisha; Inspector General (IG) Ibrahim Idris; former Communication Minister Maj.-Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju and a cleric, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele.

    The lecture held under the theme: “Towards national integration and economic development of Nigeria: The online media and risk management approach”.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented by the Emir of Keffi, Shehu Chindo Yamusa (III), urged the media to always be guided by the tenets of the professions and endeavour to present “the untwisted truth” all the time.

    He added: “I agree that the factors militating against our integration and economic development in this country can best be addressed if we can all agree and show it in our actions and utterances, whether we are president, traditional rulers, governors, journalists, lawyers, civil society activists and so on and so forth, that we are first and foremost, Nigerians before we are who we are.

    “This is the reason why I have usually told those, who talk about restructuring, to focus on economic restructuring rather that geographical restructuring and that the way they usually agitate about it means the splitting of Nigeria into pieces.”

    Tambuwal, who was represented by a member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal (Sokoto State) Federal Constituency in House of Representatives, Abdulsamad Dasuki, urged Nigerians to keep working for the unity and progress of the country.

    He particularly advised the political leaders to work to promote national peace and cohesion, and desist from acts capable of encouraging hatred and division.

    Ajibola attributed the growing insecurity in the country to rising unemployment and illiteracy.

    Relying on a United Nation’s report, Ajibola, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Crescent University, Prof. Ibrahim Gbajabiamila, noted that Nigerian presently ranks among countries with high number of out-of- school children.

     

  • Saraki, Sultan, Amosun, others extol foremost scholar Adam Al- Ilory

    Eminent Nigerians have extolled the virtue of one of Africa’s most celebrated Muslim scholars, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory at the main Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

    Al- Ilory, a widely published Muslim author and founder of the country’s foremost Arabic school, Markaz, was born in 1917 and died in 1992.

    The event commenced the late scholar’s week-long Centenary Anniversary.

    Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, his Lagos and Kwara state counterparts Akinwunmi Ambode and AbdulFatah Ahmed, UNILAG Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Board Dr Wale Babalakin SAN.

    Saraki said the Senate would continue to make laws that would provide a conducive atmosphere for learning in order to eradicate illiteracy.

    According to him, the contributions of Sheikh Al- Ilory to the teaching and propagation of Islamic and Arabic knowledge in the country are yielding fruits across the country.

    Sultan Abubakar canvassed the use of indigenous languages in the teaching and learning in schools.

    This, the NSCIA leader said, would go a long way in improving education, healthcare delivery, science, and technology.

    According to him, anyone who has qualitative Islamic education would not engage in the acts capable of inflicting pains on other people.

    He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of praying for country’s leaders so that God will direct them right to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

    Amosun said he aligned with Sultan Abubakar on use of indigenous languages to teach and learn in schools.

    The Ogun State Governor said Sheikh Al- Ilory laid an indelible mark on human capital development, pointed out that Islam denounces terrorism and encourages learning.

    Senator Amosu called on Muslim clerics to right the wrong by preaching to their subjects that Islam is not synonymous with terrorism.

    Governor Ahmed called on religious leaders to promote peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among Nigerians.

    He appealed to citizens to provide useful information to the security agents in order to prevent loss of lives and property.

    Others who spoke at the event include former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo salami (retd), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede, former Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University Prof Razaq Abubakre and Alhaji Kola Belgore, who represented Justice Alfa Belgore (retd).

  • Sultan, others to witness Obiano’s 2nd oath-taking

    All is set for the second term inauguration of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, and his deputy, Nkem Okeke, tomorrow.

    Chairman of the inauguration committee Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, in a statement yesterday, said dignitaries from Nigeria and some select foreign countries were expected at the inauguration.

    The statement listed programmes lined up as a business roundtable, with the theme: “Consolidating the vision”, among others.

    United Nations Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon will lead international development partners to the roundtable.

    A thanksgiving service will hold at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Church in Awka, on Sunday.

    The Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abukakar III, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, among other personalities, are also expected.

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Oye addressed reporters in his Amawbia home in Awka yesterday.

    Oye maintained that APGA is the only party with a clear cut ideology, which is why Obiano won the election.

    He said Obiano and Okeke were excited on their second term and grateful to the people for their support.

    The APGA national chairman defended Obiano by saying he was not clannish as being speculated by the opposition.

    According to him, the governor has an open mind.

  • Sultan attributes crisis, attacks to lack of education

    SULTAN of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has identified lack of education and proper orientation as key factors responsible for Nigeria’s current crisis. Sultan Abubakar spoke in Sokoto at the weekend while turbaning the state Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar, as the new ‘Ubandoman’ Sokoto.

    He frowned at those hiding under the umbrella of Islam to carry out killings and attacks on innocent citizens in the name of religion.

    According to the revered leader, “If there was education and proper orientation, all these would not have been happening especially at a time when the country is making efforts to secure its rightful place in the development process of its economy and citizens.”

    In the same vein, the monarch said the unity and strength of Islam should not be compromised, stressing that the Muslim ummah must act and protect the words of God for the peace and stability of the country through acquiring education.

    He urged the new Ubandoma to see his position as a reflection of leadership responsibility and not rulership.

    According to the religious monarch, “this title is not a mere or conventional title but one with religious responsibilities of leadership to foster the teachings and practice in Islam as well as the revered institution of the caliphate. We have to stick to and maintain the track records and legacies bequeath us for over 200 years.”

    Shortly after the colourful ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the palace, the new Ubandoman Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar, thanked and pledged his loyalty to the Sultan, and the sultanate council with a promise to promote the ideals of the institution.

    Those who graced the ceremony included former Minister of State for Health, Dr Halliru Alhassan, former gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, District Heads, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, former clerk of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Harande Mahe, and members of the state executive council. Friends and well wishers were also thrilled by the special drummers of the Sarkin Sudan of Wurno and many other traditional drummers.

     

  • Restructuring: Northern senators, governors to meet in Katsina

    Restructuring: Northern senators, governors to meet in Katsina

    The Northern Senators’ Forum and the 19 Northern governors would on Monday converge in Katsina for a three-day retreat to deliberate on the agitations for restructuring of the country.

    Chairman of the forum, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, said in Abuja that the retreat would also focus on how to improve the security situation in the country.

    Adamu said that the Forum had written letters of invitation to the 19 governors, leading traditional rulers, top politicians and ex-senators from the region to make presentations at the retreat.

    He said that the gathering would enable the senators, as the peoples’ representatives, to take a common position on restructuring.

    “Northern governors will be attending in solidarity and very eminent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, will attend.

    Read also: Masari presents N211.4bn appropriation for Katsina

    “Essentially, we will be discussing the impact of budget in the north, the issue of restructuring which is now the main issue in politics.

    “The issue of restructuring that the Senate can develop a position on. It is part of preparing ourselves to face that challenge.

    “The issue of security will also be discussed,” Adamu said.

    He pointed out that as representatives of the people, it would be expected that with the retreat, they would be better educated, better placed to consider issues related to the subject-matter.

    “We will be better prepared to face the matter and legislate and make laws over them for the good governance of Nigeria.

    “We believe we are there to educate ourselves to be better informed, to exchange ideas on the subject matter, because we make laws, we don’t make laws out of ignorance.

    “We have to be better informed on anything we are talking about,” Adamu said.

    He explained that meeting in Katsina was not necessarily because of the economic impact it would have on the city and state or how it would energise Nigeria’s politics, “but for some sort of our presence will make’’.

    “There hasn’t been this retreat over time. We are trying to bring back the culture.

    “It makes us have touch with our bases; people who elected us and feel our pulse, we will relate with them in a better way,” he said.

    NAN