Tinubu hails Sultan as bridge-builder, credits him with promoting religious harmony at 20

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has described the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as a bridge-builder and moral authority whose 20-year reign has helped promote religious harmony, national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

The President said the Sultan had distinguished himself beyond his traditional responsibilities by serving as a voice of moderation, a bridge between faiths and a trusted counsellor to leaders across the country.

Tinubu stated this in a congratulatory message issued on Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sultan’s ascension to the throne of his forebears as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.

According to the President, the Sultan’s two decades on the throne have been characterised by efforts to preserve and enrich the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate while deploying its influence as an instrument for peace, unity and national development.

He particularly commended the monarch’s contributions to religious tolerance in his capacity as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

Tinubu said the Sultan had consistently promoted common ground between Christians and Muslims, ensuring that Nigeria’s religious diversity remained a source of strength rather than division.

The President also acknowledged the monarch’s interventions in promoting peace in Northern Nigeria and across the Sahel, as well as his advocacy for education, particularly for the girl-child.

He further highlighted the Sultan’s support for farmers, public health initiatives and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

Reflecting on their relationship, Tinubu described his friendship with the traditional ruler as deeply valuable, noting that his counsel had remained honest, patriotic and guided by the best interests of the country.

“Your uncommon wisdom, your calm in moments of tension, and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me,” the President said.

He also thanked the Sultan for his support and prayers for Nigeria, describing his contributions as extending beyond the traditional institution to the broader task of national cohesion and development.

Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the Sultan continued good health, long life and renewed wisdom, expressing hope that his reign would continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria and honour to the Muslim Ummah.

“May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria, and honour to the Ummah,” he said.