Sultan wants government hand in religious, political interactions

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has advised government to evolve mechanism to solve concrete issues of interaction between politics and religion in the country. Abubakar III, represented by the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Yamusa III, gave the advice at a book launch titled, “Voice of MURIC”, written by Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Director, Muslim Right Concern (MURIC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

“I call on government to tackle all concrete issues of interaction between politics and religion by evolving a mechanism for a fair solution to revolving Nigeria problems toward achieving peaceful coexistence. “To our religious groups in Nigeria who forms cabals and groups claiming to be representatives of their groups, I advise you to support government by preaching to faithful to be law abiding and peaceful if we must have a great Nigeria,” Sultan said. Abubakar III, who is the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged MURIC to preach unity and justice among Muslims as well as to base their actions on constitutional framework. The monarch said that the proliferation of denominations in Islam had created a paradigm shift of hatred among the Islamic brotherhood. He also admonished MURIC to support government in the fight against ugly vices committed by Muslims. The Sultan said: “It is quite devastating, that our noble faith’s integrity has been destroyed by some religious miscreants. If we are not mindful, the day of Judgment may demand answers from us.” Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Mohammed Ja’afaru, Yariman Zazzau, commended MURIC for its efforts toward defending the right and interest of Muslims in the country. Also Prof. Rafatu Abdulhameed of the University of Abuja, urged government at all levels to create more awareness on the right of Muslim women to wear Hijab without being harassed.