The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 11 has enjoined Nigerian leaders especially the State Governors to check themselves and focus more on projects that could be of benefit to the people.
He gave the advice on Thursday, while speaking at the International Symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate as part of the activities marking his 10th anniversary of ascension to the throne as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
The Sultan decried a situation where political leaders do lots of wrong things hiding under politics.
He particularly frowned at misplaced priorities, wondering why a governor that is struggling to pay workers salaries for months now woukd be considering building an airport.
It will be recalled that the Governor of Benue state, Samuel Orton, has announced the resolve of his administration to build a N38 billion cargo airport in Makurdi.
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In series of tweets, Imam Imam, Media Aide to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, quoted the Sultan as saying, “We want to call on our leaders to check themselves especially the Governors and I am very serious about this.
“Why should we have proliferation of airports when the roads used by the common is in terrible shape?
Governors, please check yourselves. You have many misplaced priorities.
“Why should a Governor build an airport of N38 billion when you can’t pay salary?
“Injustice by leaders at all levels is a threat to our existence. Without justice we can’t make progress.
“People hide under politics to do lots of wrong things against the state. Don’t let them get away with it.
“There are many issues in this country that require adequate attention. Among the most important is to tackle security.
“It is our duties to tell our political leaders that this is what the common man is saying.
“Please, our leaders , do what is right.”
Sultan Abubakar also lamented insecurity across the country, calling on the federal government to consider convening security summit that will have all stakeholders in attendance and devoid of a jamboree.
Imam tweeted further, “There are many issues in this country that require adequate attention. Among the most important is to tackle security.”
The Sultan said he has in the last 10 years been focusing “on education, health of our people, and building understanding among all Nigerians.”
He assured that “We will continue to do more for our people, much more than what we have done in the last 10 years.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who declared the symposium open, commended the Sultan’s efforts in promoting peaceful co-existence among Nigerians in the last 10 years.
He prayed to God to continue to guide and give him more wisdom to carry on with the task of promoting harmonious relationship among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.
Earlier in their different speeches, the keynote speaker, Prof Murray Last; Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11, chairman of the occasion, Prof Shehu Galadanchi and the host Governor Aminu Tambuwal, had congratulated Sultan Abubakar and appreciated his commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence.
