On Thursday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima requested the northern leaders’ assistance in the Bola Tinubu administration’s attempts to address Nigeria’s security issues.
Shettima made the call while visiting Muhammad Saád Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, in his palace for Sallah.
“I urge our political leaders to unite to confront the common challenges of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment in the region,” Shettima was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Olusola Abiola.
“President Tinubu is aware of the challenges facing our people – the insecurity that has pervaded the northwest region and he is taking far-reaching measures to address the situation.”
The Vice President emphasized the value of peace and unity when extending President Tinubu’s congratulations, stating that “there can never be peace without development, and there can never be development without peace.”
He claimed that the current administration is determined to provide the traditional institution with the necessary assistance in order for it to continue making contributions to the advancement of the country.
Along with directing Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, governor of Sokoto State, to provide meaningful leadership, the vice president also cautioned him to keep friendly connections with other State leaders.
Prior to the visit, Sokoto expressed his gratitude at a brief reception for the Vice President at Government House. He characterized the Vice President’s action as a demonstration of his “deep love for Sokoto State and its people.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, for his part, thanked Shettima for the Sallah homage and prayed for divine insight and strength so that he might carry out the duties entrusted to him as the nation’s second-ranking citizen.
He praised the Federal Government for the “bold steps” it has already taken to address the problems facing the country and emphasized that it is better to make decisions now, despite the difficulties, because the benefits in the future are more significant.
The religious leader promised that the Sultanate will back the policies and programs of the Federal Government, saying, “We support you 100% of the time and we give you our word on this. We’ll take whatever steps are necessary to keep Nigeria peaceful and stable.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Deputy Governor Idris Gobir of Sokoto State, and Senator Aliyu Wamakko, who represents the Sokoto North senatorial district, were among the dignitaries present at the Sallah tribute.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman (North) of the APC, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bodinga, and others were also present.