With escalating violence in some northern parts of the country, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III on Tuesday said he would never be part of those preaching violence or encouraging its spread.
The traditional ruler also reiterated his usual stand that Islam, as a religion, does not preach violence.
There have been subtle allegations against the Sultan and some other leaders of the northern part of the country for encouraging the spread of violence by members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.
But reacting to this, the Sultan, who spoke when former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar paid him a courtesy call, said: “The Sokoto Sultanate Council, all traditional rulers and the generality of the Muslims, have dissociated themselves from such dastardly acts. Islam abhors the killing of any innocent souls without following the due legal processes.
“We are always committed to the growth and development of Islamic religion, but in line with its teachings and law. Muslims should even persuade non-Muslims to join the religion by their good conduct and strict adherence to the Islamic law.”
He urged citizens of the country to live peacefully irrespective of religion and class while thanking the former president for his battle to ensure peace in the northern region as well as the entire country.
Abubakar, who said he was in Sokoto to inaugurate the state university, praised the Sultan for speaking out against evil and remaining as the pillar of peace and unity in the country. He also praised the state governor for the stride
According to him, the Sultan has been facilitating peace, unity and understanding between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, and fostering dialogue as one way to stem violence in the country.
