We must preserve legacies of Sokoto Sultanate – Clerics

The Council for Northern Muslim Youth Preachers has urged Nigerians to show greater commitment to preserving the legacies of the Sokoto Sultanate.

The call was made on Wednesday in Kaduna at a two-day conference on the position of Northern Ulamas to safeguard the image of the Sultan, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the sanctity of the Caliphate.

Supreme News reports that Islamic clerics from the 19 northern states attended the workshop.

Sheikh Musa Yusuf, who chaired the occasion, said the image of the Sultan as the revered steward of the caliphate must be respected and preserved.

He said the Sultan was representing the Muslim community in Nigeria, cautioning that any attempt to derogate his position would be considered an attack on the Muslims.

The chairman urged the Sokoto state government to focus on challenges bedevilling the state to improve education, health, and the economy of the state.

“We call on the government to join hands with traditional and religious leaders to ensure peace and unity in Nigeria.

‘We urge the Muslim youths to disseminate this information to all and sundry that the Muslim youth do not agree with any attempt to derogate the powers of the Sultan of Sokoto.

“We commend the Federal Government for its initiative to provide a constitutional role for our traditional leaders,” he said.

Also speaking, Abdulmutallib Ahmad, a Kano-based cleric, advised traditional rulers not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked by politicians; rather, they should prioritisethe welfare of their people.

He admonished political leaders to fear God and respect traditions and religion.

On his part, Aminu Aliyu , a preacher in Gusau, Zamfara, described the Seat of the Sultanate as historic because it symbolises the legacy of Usmanu Danfodiyo, the founder of the caliphate.

He said the position of the Sultan or “Sarkin Muslimi,” meaning the ‘leader of the Muslims, was not only restricted to Sokoto but rather transcends to all parts of Nigeria.