Saraki, Wike, Bello Congratulate Sultan at 60

• Say he’s ambassador of peace, national unity

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, have described the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Saa’d Abubakar III, who clocked 60 years yesterday, as a ‘relentless bridge builder’ and peacemaker.
The three leaders in their separate statements wednesday, described the Sultan as an ambassador of peace, promoter of national unity, champion of of national development, embodiment of tradition and culture and a source of inspiration to many Nigerians.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Saraki said he was specifically delighted to identify with the royal father in view of his worthy lifestyle, egalitarian leadership, compassionate support for the downtrodden and acting as a voice to the voiceless in society.

Saraki said: “I am delighted to congratulate you on this epoch anniversary of attaining the age of 60. Your legacies as the Sultan of Sokoto, the head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), are visible to all. You have continued to diligently serve humanity both in your immediate domain and the country at large.
“You remain a great source of blessing and inspiration to the entire country, especially your quest for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, fight against insurgency, free and compulsory education for the less privileged and the holistic development and unity of the entire country. I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to grant you perfect health, long life and more wisdom in the discharge of your duties,” he said.

Saraki also wished the Sultan more fruitful years of service to the nation in particular and humanity in general. While also congratulating the government and people of Sokoto State on the occasion, he called on the country to continue to pray for the Sultan for more wisdom and strength.

Similarly, Wike in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Housing, Emma Okah, congratulated the Sultan, saying he had made invaluable contributions towards national cohesion and the development of the country.

He added that the mornach’s endless pursuit of peace in Nigeria especially in very difficult times has remained invaluable for which future generations of Nigerians would remember in gratitude.
“On this auspicious occasion of your 60th birthday, I, on behalf of my wife, Suzette, our children as well as the government and people of Rivers State felicitate with you and join your family, friends and millions of the Muslim faithful in Nigeria to thank the Almighty God for His grace upon your life.

“A day of joy like this reminds us of the invaluable contributions you are making towards national cohesion and development. Your endless pursuit of peace in Nigeria especially in very challenging times has remained invaluable and future generations of Nigerians will remember you in gratitude,” he said.

On his part, Bello, in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Jibrin Ndace, showered encomiums on the monarch, acknowledging his role and quick intervention in crises anywhere in the country which has assisted tremendously in ensuring peace in the country.
“Abubakar has also demonstrated uncommon leadership in establishing unity among the Muslim community in the country,” he added.

Bello said the Sultan’s wisdom and nationalistic disposition has ensured the sustenance of peace in the country.

He wished the traditional ruler ‘ more fruitful years and good health in the service to humanity.