Sultan Receives Ex-CJN Ariwoola-led Council of the Wise, Commends Its Commitment to Democracy, Good Governance
By KEMI KASUMU
His Eminence also called on Nigerians to refrain from abusive and destructive rhetoric against political leaders, urging citizens to make constructive use of their constitutional rights and, where necessary, use their Permanent Voter Cards to effect political change through the ballot.
His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, received in audience members of the Council of the Wise of the Savanna Centre for Diplomacy and Development (SCDD) at his Abuja residence.
The Sultan, who received the distinguished delegation in the company of the Magajin Garin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Bello, and the Sai’in Kilgori, His Royal Highness Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, expressed his appreciation for the Council’s continued commitment to the promotion of democracy, good governance, peaceful political engagement and credible elections in Nigeria.
His Eminence commended the members of the Council for bringing their wealth of experience, wisdom and national service to bear on the task of strengthening democratic values and peaceful coexistence in the country, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan urged the Council to sustain its engagement with critical stakeholders across the country, noting that dialogue, consultation and responsible participation remain essential to the preservation of peace, unity and democratic governance.
His Eminence also called on Nigerians to refrain from abusive and destructive rhetoric against political leaders, urging citizens to make constructive use of their constitutional rights and, where necessary, use their Permanent Voter Cards to effect political change through the ballot.
He reminded Nigerians that the ballot remains a peaceful and legitimate instrument through which citizens can express their will and hold elected leaders accountable for their stewardship.
The Sultan acknowledged the distinguished personalities and high calibre of eminent Nigerians serving on the Council, expressing confidence in their capacity to continue contributing meaningfully to the peace, unity and democratic development of the nation.
His Eminence assured the Council of his continued support, cooperation and prayers for the success of its efforts in advancing peaceful democratic engagement and good governance in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Council of the Wise and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, congratulated His Eminence on the 20th anniversary of his accession to the exalted throne of the Sultanate of Sokoto.
Justice Ariwoola prayed Allah to grant the Sultan many more years in good health and strength to continue his meritorious service to the Ummah, the nation and humanity.
He paid tribute to the Sultan’s fatherly leadership, peace-building initiatives and sustained efforts towards promoting interfaith harmony, national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The Chairman appealed to His Eminence to continue to lend his respected voice to the call for peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly by encouraging all political parties and candidates to adhere strictly to the relevant electoral laws and the code of ethics governing political conduct.
Justice Ariwoola further requested the Sultan to prevail upon all candidates to pursue their political aspirations through peaceful means and to place the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria above partisan interests.
In recognition of His Eminence’s enduring contributions to peace-building and national harmony, the Chairman presented a plaque and a book to the Sultan.
Other members of the Council present at the audience were the Executive Director of the Savanna Centre for Diplomacy and Development, Amb. Sani S. Bala; Amb. Abdulazeez DanKano; Mr. Bola Abimbola; and Mrs. Blessing Atureta-Ogah.
