President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III as a towering moral authority and bridge-builder whose two decades on the throne have strengthened religious harmony national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
The President in a tribute marking the monarch’s 20th anniversary on the throne on Monday praised his uncommon wisdom moderation and unwavering commitment to the country’s stability and development.
Tinubu said the Sultan through his leadership transformed the traditional institution into a powerful platform for promoting peace fostering interfaith understanding and advancing the welfare of Nigerians particularly the poor and vulnerable.
According to the President the monarch’s reign has gone beyond preserving the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate to repositioning the institution as an influential force for national cohesion.
‘Twenty years ago you ascended the throne with humility courage and a profound sense of duty. In the two decades since you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it redefined it and made it a formidable instrument for peace unity and national development’ Tinubu said.
The President particularly commended the Sultan’s calming influence during periods of national tension describing him as a dependable voice of reason and an invaluable adviser to successive leaders.
‘Your uncommon wisdom your calm in moments of tension and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority a bridge between faiths a voice of moderation and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country’ he stated.
Tinubu also acknowledged the monarch’s contributions to interreligious understanding in his capacities as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
He observed that the Sultan’s commitment to religious tolerance helped Christians and Muslims find common ground showing that Nigeria’s diversity could be a source of national strength rather than division.
The President further highlighted the monarch’s interventions in promoting peace across Northern Nigeria and the Sahel alongside his advocacy for education particularly for the girl-child.
He equally praised the Sultan’s support for farmers public health initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the circumstances of disadvantaged Nigerians.
Tinubu said these contributions reflected a people-centred reign anchored on service compassion and national development.
Reflecting on their longstanding personal relationship the President expressed appreciation for the Sultan’s friendship prayers and constructive counsel which he said had consistently been guided by patriotism and Nigeria’s best interests.
‘Personally I value our friendship deeply. Your counsel has been honest patriotic and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation’ he said.
Joining millions of the monarch’s subjects admirers and friends within and outside Nigeria in celebrating the milestone Tinubu prayed for continued divine guidance good health and longevity for the traditional ruler.
‘As you celebrate this historic milestone I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will continue to grant you good health long life and renewed wisdom. May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto unity to Nigeria and honour to the Ummah’ the President added.
Sultan Abubakar III who ascended the throne in November 2006 as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto has remained one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional and religious leaders playing prominent roles in national dialogue interfaith relations and peacebuilding efforts.