THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has called on the two major religions in Nigeria to put aside negative sentiments hampering the cordial relationship between them, for the sake of peace and unity in the country.
He disclosed this in Kaduna, at the weekend, adding that only a harmonious relationship between adherents of the two major religions would bring unity, development and total security in Nigeria.
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“Muslims and Christians must show love to each other. Let’s keep negative things aside as Muslims and Christians. That is the only way to move this country forward,” he added.
The recipient of the King Fahd 2014 award and former chairman of Da’awa Coordination Council of Nigeria, Sheik Ahmad Lemu, speaking at the event, said greed, selfishness and lust for wealth by those entrusted with duty of controlling the affairs of the country is the cause of insecurity bedeviling the nation.
The cleric stated this while receiving a letter of appreciation from the Sultan of Sokoto and President Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI) for his feat, making the Muslims Ummar and Nigeria proud.
Sheikh Lemu added that it was time people in leadership came back to their senses and work with the fear of Allah.
“The current set of leaders has to do more to move the country forward and this is only possible if they put away greed and selfishness, while working in sincerely for the people.
“I am an elderly man now and will not hide any fact from you, because of my desire. We are busy acquiring wealth as if that is what will take us to Aljanah. We have to check our ways and return to the our Creator in order to move the nation forward,” he said.
In his remark, the Sultan said the award bestowed on Sheik Ahmad Lemu was to show that “there are some Nigerians who are committed to serving Allah and humanity.”
He urged Muslims and Christians to unite against evil forces causing confusion in the country.
The traditional ruler also expressed the appreciation of the Muslim community to the Federal Government, for sending a delegation led by Vice President Namadi Sambo to support the sheik at the event.
He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to set aside a day to receive Sheik Lemu, because of the honour he brought to the country by winning the prestigious award.
