In a rare and historic moment, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged the leadership of Sokoto State to borrow a leaf from the political culture of neighboring Kebbi State. The Sultan’s call came during the inaugural Malam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Public Lecture held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he highlighted the remarkable unity demonstrated by Kebbi’s political leaders.
“I am highly elated by what I see today. All three former governors of Kebbi are seated side by side with the incumbent governor. This is a rare sight that we need to learn from,” Sultan Abubakar said, referring to the rare collaboration between political leaders of different parties in the state.
The event, which focused on the legacies of the revered Malam Abdullahi Fodio, saw political and traditional leaders come together to honor the statesman’s contributions to Nigeria’s history.
A Model of Unity
The Sultan described the scene as unique and unparallel in the history of Nigerian politics. “This is something we need to borrow from Kebbi State. Today, we see all the three former governors seated together with the incumbent in a very historic event of Mallam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Public Lecture,” he remarked.
This unprecedented display of political unity was not just symbolic but was seen as an example of how politics could transcend party lines to foster common goals for the good of the people.
Abubakar also emphasized the significance of collaboration across regional and cultural boundaries, noting that the event had attracted traditional rulers from various parts of Nigeria. “The event brought together different traditional rulers from across Nigeria,” he said. “This signifies love, tolerance, understanding, and accommodation among Nigerians, regardless of culture, tribe, or religion.”
Leadership, Unity, and the Nigerian Spirit
In his address, Sultan Abubakar used the occasion to speak on leadership and the importance of supporting leaders while holding them accountable. “We must stop castigating our leaders. Instead, we should pray for them and tell them the truth,” he said.
The Sultan urged Nigerians to practice patience with their leaders, emphasizing that leadership is about justice, fairness, and serving the people. “One day, leaders will stand before Almighty Allah to account for their stewardship,” he added, stressing the need for leaders to fear no one but God when making decisions for the people.
Governor Nasir Idris and the Spirit of Unity
The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, also expressed his appreciation to Sultan Abubakar for recognizing the unity among the state’s leaders. He noted that as a former unionist, he had worked under all three former governors, including Sen. Adamu Aleiro, Alhaji Saidu Dakingari, and Sen. Atiku Bagudu, who were present at the event.
Governor Idris used the platform to announce a major step in preserving the legacy of Malam Abdullahi Fodio. He disclosed that the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, would be renamed after the revered leader. “Today, I want to announce in order to keep the name for the younger ones. I want to change the name of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero to Mallam Abdullahi Fodio University,” he said.
This change, according to Governor Idris, would ensure that future generations remember the values and principles that Fodio stood for. “Kebbi State Government will do the needful by following the due process to actualize this mission,” he added.
Former Governors Express Gratitude
The three former governors of Kebbi, Sen. Adamu Aleiro, Alhaji Saidu Dakingari, and Sen. Atiku Bagudu, who are now key political figures in Nigeria, took the stage to express their appreciation for the leadership of Governor Idris. They acknowledged the Governor’s support for traditional institutions and his commitment to unity across the state.
“The leadership style of compassion, tolerance, equity, and transparency displayed by Sheikh Abdullahi Gwandu is something we should all emulate,” they said in unison, urging leaders at all levels of government to adopt the values of unity and fairness.
Academics and Thought Leadership
The event also featured thought-provoking papers by scholars such as Prof. Bello Bada, Prof. Ja’afar Kaura, and Sheikh Isah Talata-Mafara, who presented lectures on the themes of good governance, the responsibilities of citizens towards constituted authority, and the relationship between teachers and leaders. These discussions further enriched the event’s focus on building a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
A Vision for a United Nigeria
The Malam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Public Lecture 2024 was not just a celebration of the past but a call to action for the future. Sultan Abubakar’s remarks resonated as a powerful reminder that political leaders, regardless of their affiliations, must prioritize the well-being of their people over personal or partisan interests. His call for unity, tolerance, and justice speaks to the broader need for a more cohesive and peaceful Nigeria, where leaders and citizens work together for the common good.
The Sultan’s message is clear: Nigeria can only thrive if its leaders and people choose cooperation over division. As the country continues to face various challenges, the example set by Kebbi State offers a model for how the entire nation can unite under shared values and common goals.