The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and his Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday extended felicitations to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Speaker Tajudeen, in a statement made available to parliamentary correspondents in Abuja, described the Sultan, who serves as the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims in his roles as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), as a symbol of leadership, unity and patriotism.
The Speaker commended the revered Muslim leader for leveraging his position to foster peace and stability among Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political divides.
Tajudeen highlighted how the Sultan has consistently offered wise counsel to the political class and has never hesitated to speak truth to power when necessary.
While praising Sultan Abubakar for serving as an inspiration to many kings and princes, Speaker Abbas said the Muslim leader’s leadership style was worthy of emulation by all who desire purposeful leadership.
The Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant the Sultan more grace, blessings, longevity and sound health as he continues to guide Muslims in Nigeria towards the service and worship of the Creator.
On his part, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, applauded his contributions to peace, national unity and religious tolerance in Nigeria.
The Deputy Speaker described Abubakar as a father figure and a stabilising voice in the country, noting that his reign has been marked by wisdom, humility and commitment to dialogue.
Kalu recalled that the septuagenarian, who ascended the throne in 2006 after his meritorious military career, is widely respected for his role in promoting interfaith harmony and conflict resolution nationwide.
“As the Supreme Leader of Muslims in Nigeria and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence has provided purposeful leadership that transcends faith and ethnicity. At 70, his life of service, including his military experience, has continued to impact the country and our leaders across generations tremendously,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker prayed for more years of good health, strength and divine guidance for the Sultan, as well as continued peace in the Sokoto Caliphate and across Nigeria.