The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III, has said that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara’s experience in governance, leadership, religious understanding and peace-building will be valuable in his new traditional responsibility.
The Sultan made this known in a congratulatory letter to AbdulRazaq ahead of his turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said the governor had acquired invaluable experience through his various leadership responsibilities.
The letter, dated Sept. 14 and personally signed by the Sultan, was made available to newsmen Mr Bashir Adefaka, on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team on Tuesday in Kaduna.
The turbaning is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
“Your experience in governance, leadership, intergovernmental relations, religious understanding and peace-building will be valuable in your new traditional responsibility,” the Sultan said.
He noted that AbdulRazaq’s positions as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and President of the Forum of Regions of Africa had exposed him to diverse governance and leadership issues.
The Sultan said the experiences, together with the wisdom and exposure bestowed on the governor by Allah, would enable him to make meaningful contributions in his new traditional role.
“We are confident that these experiences, together with the wisdom and exposure Allah has bestowed upon you, will be brought to bear positively in your new traditional responsibility as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate,” he said.
Abubakar described traditional leadership as a sacred trust and urged the governor to use the opportunity to promote the welfare, unity, peace and progress of the people.
He expressed confidence that AbdulRazaq’s installation would complement the leadership of the Emir of Ilorin and contribute to the development and stability of the emirate and Kwara State.
The Sultan also said the new responsibility would further contribute to peace-building and national cohesion.
He commended Sulu-Gambari for finding AbdulRazaq worthy of the traditional honour and prayed Allah to grant the governor wisdom, good health, humility and strength to discharge his responsibilities.
He wished AbdulRazaq a successful tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate and prayed that his service would bring greater blessings to the emirate, Kwara and Nigeria.