The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has called for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and government at all levels to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Guwor made the call while congratulating the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, on the 20th anniversary of his coronation.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, described the Sultan’s two decades on the throne as a remarkable period characterised by peace, wisdom, humility and dedicated service to the nation.
He commended the Sultan for his contributions to national unity, religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue and good governance, noting that his influence had continued to promote peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic boundaries.
According to Guwor, since ascending the throne on November 2, 2006, the Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has remained a respected voice of reason, moderation and wisdom, offering guidance to governments at different levels.
He further acknowledged the traditional ruler’s contributions to education, youth development, peace-building and the promotion of mutual understanding among Nigerians.
However, moving beyond the anniversary celebration, Guwor stressed that traditional institutions must be more actively involved in addressing insecurity, particularly at the grassroots, where traditional rulers maintain close relationships with their communities.
He said sustainable peace and security could not be achieved through government efforts alone, insisting that traditional rulers remained critical partners in intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and the maintenance of communal harmony.
“As Speakers of State Legislatures, we firmly believe that lasting peace and security cannot be achieved by government alone. There is an urgent need for constant engagement and collaboration with traditional institutions, who are closest to the people and custodians of our communities,” he said.
The Conference Chairman urged traditional rulers nationwide to sustain their support for government security initiatives, noting that their understanding of local communities could help prevent conflicts and strengthen grassroots stability.
He also linked the need for stronger partnerships to the forthcoming 2027 general elections, urging political leaders, traditional institutions and citizens to prioritise dialogue, restraint and national unity.
Guwor maintained that the elections should provide an opportunity to strengthen democratic values rather than deepen political, ethnic or religious divisions.
“As we move towards the 2027 elections, we must work together for a greater, more united and more secure Nigeria. The elections must be seen as an opportunity to deepen democracy, not to divide us. Dialogue over confrontation and unity over division are principles we must all uphold,” he added.
He concluded by praying for Allah to grant the Sultan long life, sound health and continued wisdom to lead the Muslim Ummah and provide fatherly guidance to Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides.