Sultan of Sokoto makes case for religious, ethnic tolerance in northern Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar the 3rd has assured that the people of many different races, tribes and religions, who are knit together by common history, common interests and common ideals are still recognized in the northern region.

The monarch made this remark at the closing ceremony of the national Qur’anic Recitation competition in Gusau, Zamfara State, saying that diversity may be great but the things that unite them are stronger than the things that divide them.

“On occasions like this, I always remind people about our firmly rooted policy on religious tolerance”, he said.

“Families of all creeds and colours can rely on these assurances. We have no intention of favouring one religion at the expense of another. Subject to the overriding need to preserve law and order”, he added.

“It is our determination that everyone should have absolute liberty to practise his beliefs”

“It is also befitting on this momentous day, on behalf of my ministers and myself, to send a special word of gratitude to all Christian missions”.

“Let me conclude this with a personal message. I extend my greetings to all our people who are Christians on this great feast day.

“We should forget our differences in our religion and come together for a common brotherhood before God, by dedicating ourselves afresh to the great tasks which lie before us”

“Leaders who truly believe in nation building, not looters who come to power to be served & be worshipped”

When interviewed, some residents appealed to the federal government to salvage the country’s situation, pointing out that the common masses were dying of hunger and starvation.