The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared yesterday in Kano that the security challenge in parts of the North will not be allowed to tie the people or the country down.
He said the majority of Nigerians are already demonstrating their doggedness and resilience in the face of the adversity brought about by the crisis.
He spoke at a grand Durbar to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero on the throne.
The Sultan whose audience included Vice President Namadi Sambo, stategovernors, leading politicians, traditional rulers and the business class, prayed for the restoration of peace to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, all of them currently under a state of emergency following the protracted Boko Haram insurgency.
His words: “I would like to seize this moment to pray to Allah to bring peace, stability and succour to our brothers and sisters in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
“Despite the difficult period in their respective states, they are all here in Kano. We pray to Almighty Allah to bring peace and stability to all those areas.
“We pray to Almighty Allah not to allow such a calamity to befall our state or any other part of the country. We will not allow whatever bad that has happened to tie us down because whatever that has happened is the will of Allah and we give Him thanks always for whatever that happens to us and a speedy return of peace and stability to the country.”
Speaker after speaker at the event, including President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by Vice President Sambo, hailed Alhaji Bayero’s contribution to national development and unity.
President Jonathan called him a beacon of hope, comforter, nation builder, great counsellor, a pillar of Nigerian nationhood and a stabilising force.
He said Kano has witnessed tremendous socio-economic development during the reign of the Emir.
The city, according to him, has been transformed into a modern metropolis ofcommerce, industry and innovations, making it one of the greats in Africa.
He said: “The Emir of Kano is greatly loved by his people. I am glad to say that His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero has not only maintained the age-long tradition of hospitality and entrepreneurial ship, but has become the embodiment of good and respected leadership in the entire country.”
He also said by promoting peace and peaceful co-existence, the Emir has turned Kano into a rallying point and home for people from all walks of life.
Jonathan urged Nigerians to always respect the rule of law in whatever situation they find themselves.
Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano also lauded the leadership qualities of the Emir and asked the people to continue to offer prayers for peace and harmony in the country.
In his remarks, the 83-year old Emir said he has forgiven all those who may have offended him these past 50 years.
Alhaji Bayero, who narrowly escaped death when terrorists attacked his convoy in Kano on January 19, said forgiveness is the backbone of peace and progress of the people and urged those he too may have offended by his action or inaction to also forgive him.
He also prayed for continued unity and peace in the country.
He hailed Governor Kwankwaso for the developmental projects being executed by his administration.
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