Politics too important to be left for politicians alone - Sultan

By Abbas Jimoh

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged all Nigerians to be part of politics and governance, as the institutions are too important to be left for politicians alone.

The Sultan, who was the Royal Father of the Day, commended the Media Trust Limited for organising the dialogue series over the years.

“We learnt in military training that war is too important to be left to the soldiers alone. Therefore, national development is too important to be left to the politicians alone,” Sultan Abubakar said.

Speaking on the theme of the dialogue, the Sultan said he was more concerned about insecurity because that is the main problem that can be a very big roadblock to any economy or any politics anywhere in the world.

He said, “Without security, you cannot have anything and I think I am happy some of the points I was noting when the Governor of Borno State (Umara Zulum) was talking on the importance of security in our lives.

“And I have said it many times that you cannot do anything without security and you cannot even worship God Almighty, the way you want to, the way you ought to without security. For me, without security, you cannot have anything.

“For some of us that were opportune or privileged to be in the most destabilised regions of the world for three years, working as a military advisor. By my military background, I know what insecurity is about.

“We will not get tired of talking to one another; we cannot get tired. We must not get tired of talking to one another because once we come together at any particular forum, it gives hope to the common man that the leaders are talking. Even if nothing comes out of the forum, they would believe that something would definitely come out later.”

The royal father said that he remains one of those who so much believe in dialogue “Because dialogue offers you the best opportunity to discuss all issues and arrive at amicable resolutions and deal with any challenge or any problem.

“And as we all know, what war cannot resolve, definitely dialogue would resolve it and what dialogue cannot resolve, no amount of weapons can resolve such. So, I am an advocate of dialogue. And I would not be tired of attending dialogue sessions that are directly involved in peace and security and of the development of our great country.

“I am only concerned more about insecurity because that is the main problem that can be a very big roadblock to any economy or any politics anywhere in the world,” he said.

He also said that the late Northern Premier and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, succeeded because he was just and fair to all.

The Sultan commended the chairman of the event and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Retd.) for midwifing the current democracy by stamping his foot on ground.

“Leadership is a trust from Allah and that is why we bring to the attention of the leaders what is happening. So, politicians should not see our talking to them as challenging them,” he said.

The royal father also said that the year 2022 is very important because politicians would do more talking, hence the need for people to talk to each other.