20th anniversary: Rep hails Sultan’s peace efforts

A member of the House of Representatives, Jafar Chiroma.

A member of the House of Representatives, Jafar Chiroma, has commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his contributions to national unity, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence as the monarch marks 20 years on the throne.

Chiroma, who represents Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency of Taraba State, described the Sultan’s two decades of leadership as remarkable, noting his commitment to promoting peace, strengthening interfaith relations and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The lawmaker made the remarks in a congratulatory message made available to our correspondent in Sokoto on Monday, through his aide, Usman Sarsa, to mark the Sultan’s 20th anniversary on the throne.

The Sultan ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, following the death of his predecessor, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, who died alongside his son, Senator Badamasi Maccido, in the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash on October 29, 2006.

His emergence as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto marked the beginning of a reign that has spanned two decades, during which he has remained a prominent voice in religious affairs, traditional leadership and national development.

Before becoming Sultan, Abubakar had a distinguished military career in the Nigerian Army, where he rose to the rank of Brigadier-General. He also served in international peacekeeping operations in Chad and Sierra Leone and was Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Pakistan.

Since ascending the throne, the monarch has played a significant role in promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, particularly through his leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Jama’atu Nasril Islam.

He has consistently advocated dialogue between religious communities and worked with Christian leaders through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council to strengthen interfaith understanding and address religious tensions.

The Sultan has also been involved in public health advocacy, particularly campaigns for polio eradication and routine immunisation, mobilising traditional and religious institutions to support the efforts of government and development partners.

In the congratulatory message, Chiroma said the Sultan had demonstrated exemplary leadership, wisdom and dedication to the Muslim Ummah and the country.

He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the monarch’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening unity among Nigerians.

“On behalf of Hon. Jafar Yakubu Chiroma and the good people of Bali/Gassol, we warmly congratulate His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the joyous occasion of his 20th anniversary on the throne of the Sokoto Caliphate,” the statement read.

The lawmaker prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan good health, long life, wisdom and strength to continue providing leadership to the Muslim Ummah and the Sokoto Caliphate.

He also prayed for lasting peace, progress and prosperity during the monarch’s reign.