SOKOTO: Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has urged state governors across the country to emulate Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State by eliminating the “non-indigene” syndrome, promoting unity and inclusivity for the benefit of the nation.
The Sultan made the call on Monday during his Sallah Homage to Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge in Sokoto.
He emphasized that in Sokoto, all Nigerians are treated equally, irrespective of their state of origin, a policy that fosters a sense of belonging for all residents.
“In Sokoto, there are no non-indigenes. We consider everyone as a part of our community,” the Sultan affirmed.
He urged other states to adopt this inclusive approach, which he believes would encourage sustainable peace, harmony, and unity among Nigerians.
Furthermore, Sultan Sa’ad stressed the importance of governors prioritizing the protection of their citizens’ lives and properties, noting that security is the foundation for societal progress.
“In Sokoto, we value the efforts of Governor Aliyu, and we stand behind him in supporting the transformation of our state,” the Sultan said. “The Governor, alongside our security agencies, is making significant strides in combating banditry, which has led to remarkable improvements in security.”
The Sultan also praised Governor Aliyu for his unprecedented distribution of food items during the recent Ramadan fasting period, an initiative he said had never been witnessed in Sokoto before.
He urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could undermine the nation’s hard-earned peace.
As the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan expressed concern over the damaging impact of falsehoods and provocative content spread through social media by some unpatriotic citizens. He called on security agencies to remain vigilant against those attempting to destabilize the country.
In response, Governor Ahmed Aliyu reassured the people of Sokoto State that his administration is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. He acknowledged the role of unemployment, particularly among the youth, as a contributing factor to rising insecurity in various parts of the country.
“The rise in insecurity is often linked to youth unemployment, as many young people are driven to join criminal groups for financial survival,” Governor Aliyu said. “To address this, we have trained and empowered thousands of youths and women in various trades, and we are planning another large-scale skills acquisition program to engage more young people and reduce restiveness.”
Governor Aliyu further assured the public that his administration will continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, including the development of more mosques and Islamiyya schools in the state. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Sokoto for their continuous prayers and support, urging them to maintain their commitment to the state’s progress.
