*Notes monarch speaks for the poor
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhamad Sa’ad Abubakar, as he clocked 65 Tuesday 24 August 2021, saying the leader of Muslim Ummah of Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa has consistently taken the side of fairness and justice, particularly on national issues.
Although the Sultan, as a devout Muslim leader, does not celebrate his birthday, President Buhari like many other well wishers joined the Sultanate, family members and religious leaders in the country to celebrate the 20th Sultan of Sokoto on his birthday.
In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER, President Buhari thanked Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, leader of Muslims of Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, for providing guidance and wisdom for the Muslim community since he ascended the throne close to 15 years ago.
President Buhari said the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who is President-General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), had “consistently taken the side of fairness and justice, particularly on national issues”.
He added that Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar speaks for the poor and underprivileged, and interfaces with other religious leaders as Co-Chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to promote peaceful co-existence in the country.
Noting the Sultan’s status of a retired Army General, President Buhari said, according to the statement, that Alhaji Abubakar had utilized his wealth of experience as a former military officer, with strong diplomatic credentials to serve the country, the statement added.
The President wished the traditional leader wellbeing, longer life and more wisdom to keep serving the country and humanity.
