*You remain a symbol of unity among all tribes and religions – Speaker hails Sultan
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
With more Nigerians keeping the calendar at hearts for birthday of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did not miss the August 24 date as the Amir-ul Mu’mineen of Nigeria clocked 67 on Thursday.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas Ph.D, also made it to say his good words about Sultan of the Sokoto Caliphate on his day, hailing the great achiever whose is on the 17th year on his Usmaniyyah throne of the Sokoto Sultanate clocking November 2 this year.
Among Sultan’s friends, who also greeted him on his 67th birth birthday anniversary yesterday, even though he celebrates not birthday, included the Attah and Paramount Ruler of Ayede Kingdom, Ekiti State, Alhaji AbdulMumini Adebayo Orishagbemi; the Alara of Ilare – Epe Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Chiefs (Epe Division), Oba Olukayode Folarin Ogunsanwo; and the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aderemi JP.
Tinubu
In his message felicitating with the Sultan on Thirsday, President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ajuri Ngelale, said he shared in the moment of joy and thanksgiving with the leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi Order, who also serves as Head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (Society for the Support of Islam) and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.
According to the statement, “President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices and selflessness of the Sultan of Sokoto, who has, since his assumption of office in November 2006, worked assiduously for the sustenance of peaceful co-existence in the country, and beyond, personally traveling, intervening, mediating, and chairing meetings on the need for harmony.
“The President extols Sultan’s magnanimity, friendliness, and neighbourly outlook on life, seizing every opportunity to educate citizens on the benefits of amity in the society, while providing platforms for solidifying Nigeria’s unity, such as instituting the Peace Accord for elections as a member of the National Peace Committee.
“As the revered former military officer, who served the nation meritoriously, clocks 67, the President believes his wealth of experience will continuously be an asset for the steady progress of the nation with a particular emphasis on bridging religious, ethnic, and cultural divides.”
President Tinubu prayed for more years of strength, health, and wisdom for His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto.
Abbas
House of Representatives Speaker Abbas congratulated Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on the occasion of his 67th birthday anniversary, which came up on Thursday.
Dr Abbas said as a father to all, the Sultan’s roles could not be quantified, noting that he remains a symbol of unity among all tribes and religions.
The Speaker hailed, the Sultan and Co-Chairman Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), for using his highly revered religious and traditional office to ensure peace and stability in Nigeria.
He noted that the Sultan, who is also the Co-President of the New York-based World Religions for Peace, has undertaken several national and international assignments, the recent being the negotiations with the military junta in the neighbouring Republic of Niger.
Speaker Abbas described the Sultan as an elder statesman, a bridge-builder and a guiding light to the nation.
He prayed the Almighty Allah (SWT) to enrich the Sultan with more wisdom, good health and divine grace to continue to provide spiritual and moral guidance for not just the Muslims but the entire country.
Orishagbemi
In his message, Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Alhaji AbdulMumini Orishagbemi, described the Sultan as “a Muslim and elder statesman that is one of the best Nigeria has had” and congratulated the government of Sokoto State and entire people of the Sokoto Caliphate for giving Sultan as rare bless that God has bestowed upon them to Nigeria.
Ogunsanwo
Alara Ogunsanwo said “the Sultan has continued to be a shining star of huge blessing to us as traditional rulers of Nigeria and as great people of our great country Nigeria”.
Atayero
Atayero Aderemi, who described Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar as an enigma that keeps shining at 67, prayed for many more of his years in life and on the throne of his forefathers.
