PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, describing him as a moral authority, a voice of moderation and a steady counsellor to Nigerian leaders across generations.
In a congratulatory letter he personally signed on Monday, November 2,
Tinubu lauded the Sultan’s 20 years of leadership as a period in which the ancient institution of the Sokoto Caliphate had not only been preserved, but also enriched and redeployed as an instrument for peace, unity and national development.
According to the President: “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.”
Tinubu commended his role as President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, saying under his leadership, Christians and Muslims have consistently found common ground, “and our diversity has become a source of strength, rather than division.”
He highlighted the Sultan’s contributions to peace advocacy in the North and across the Sahel, his promotion of girl-child education, support for farmers, and quiet interventions on behalf of the poor and vulnerable.
Tinubu said he valued his friendship with the Sultan, acknowledging the spiritual and political guidance offered to him by the reverred monarch, adding: “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 prayed for the Sultan’s continued good health, long life and renewed wisdom, optimistic that his reign would continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria and honour to the Muslim faithfuul.
Abubakar III ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto
