Muhammadu Sa’ad-Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers (NCTRN), has urged Nigerians to prioritise the country’s unity and continue to work towards ensuring it remains one indivisible entity.

Mr Abubakar made the call at an occasion to mark the fifth anniversary of Retired Justice Sidi Bage-Muhammad, the Emir of Lafia, on Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.

According to the Sultan, every country has problems, and secession is not the solution to the challenges confronting the nation.

He also called on Nigerians to always pray for their leaders’ success, as they were human beings who needed support and prayers.

However, Mr Abubakar appealed to leaders at all levels to expedite action to address the nation’s economic and security problems.

“We know that our leaders are trying, but the people are in a hurry to see positive changes that will renew their hopes for a better life,” he said.

The Sultan said that the presence of traditional rulers across the country in the Nasarawa State to celebrate with the Emir of Lafia demonstrated unity and urged other Nigerians to emulate them.

“We are showing the whole world that royal fathers in this country are united, just look at the list of traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones that honoured the occasion.

Also, Ibn Umar-Garbai, Shehu of Borno, called on the public to assist security agencies with credible information on criminal elements’ activities to stem the tide of insecurity while calling for sustained prayers for leaders.

“When we keep quiet about the activities of criminals in our areas, we are inviting problems, so we should continue to enlighten our people to work with security agencies as traditional rulers,” he urged.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State welcomed and appreciated the traditional rulers across the country who graced the occasion.

The governor also congratulated the Emir of Lafia, who doubled as chairman of the state traditional council, on his fifth anniversary on the throne of his ancestors.

Mr Sule thanked the emir and all the traditional rulers in the state for their relentless support of his administration since its inception in 2019.

Responding, Mr Bage-Mohammed appreciated his colleagues and other well-meaning Nigerians who came from far and near to celebrate him and expressed optimism that the country would remain united.

Dignitaries at the event included Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife; Manu Ishaku Ada-Ali, the Aku-Uka of Wukari; Aminu Ado-Bayero, the Emir of Kano; Riwanu Adamu, the Emir of Bauchi; Ahmed Bamali, the Emir of Zauzau; Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe; Muhammadu Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa; and Mustapha Umar II, the Emir of Biu, among others. 

(NAN)