Sokoto – The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged elected leaders in the country to act swiftly to tame the menace of insurgency in some parts of the country.
Abubakar made the call in Sokoto at a Ramadan dinner which he organised for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Sokoto State Council.
He said “elected leaders should do something urgently about this menace so that Nigerians can go back to their normal lives.
“The Boko Haram people are not Muslims and their activities are not aimed at strengthening Islam, rather, destroying it.
“We must therefore condoled with Nigerians over the senseless killing of innocent people in the past one week in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Plateau and Zaria, among others.’’
Abubakar said “we the leaders feel pains and have concerns over the unfortunate situation we are in. It is sad.’’
The monarch then urged Nigerians to truly complement government’s efforts toward ending the menace, stressing that “nobody can Islamise Nigeria; there is no compulsion in religion.’’
The Sultan promised to continue to work to ensure sustained harmony between the two major religions in the country.
He welcomed the appointment of the new service chiefs and the National Security Adviser, saying “we know them and we are confident that they will deliver.’’
He urged journalists in the country to endeavour to be objective in their reportage and always cross-check facts before going to press.
The Chairman of the NUJ in the state, Mr Labaran Dundaye, commended the Sultan for sustaining the annual dinner.
He said “we will continue to operate according to the ethics of the noble profession to ensure peace and unity in the country.’’