President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, over his 20th year on throne, describing him as ‘My Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother’.
In a statement he personally signed, President Tinubu said in the last 20 years, the Sultan has not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate but ‘enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development.’
The President, who is currently in Saudi Arabia praying for Nigeria, noted that the Sultan had stood for religious harmony and tolerance, adding that under his leadership as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, ‘Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division.’
He said, ‘My Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Today, I join millions of your subjects and friends in Nigeria and abroad to celebrate you as you mark 20 years on the exalted throne of your forebears as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.’
Tinubu said the Sultan ascended the throne with humility, courage, and a profound sense of duty.
‘In the two decades, 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.
‘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.’
The President said as Sultan and as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, ‘you have consistently stood for religious harmony and tolerance. Under your leadership as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division.
‘Your advocacy for peace in the North and across the Sahel, your passion for education, especially for the girl-child, your support for our farmers and for public health, and your quiet but effective interventions for the poor and vulnerable speak to a reign that is truly people-centred.’
He explained that personally, he valued their friendship deeply as his ‘counsel has been honest, patriotic, and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation.
‘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.’