PICTURE: From left, COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar 111 and the GOC 8Div Sokoto, Maj Gen UU Bassey during a courtesy call in Sultan in his palace. PHOTO BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
Worried by the magnitude of the lingering insecurity that has bedeviled nearly every part of Nigeria lately, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has said that the security challenge seems more serious that the nation’s civil war.
Sultan who is the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) stated this when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit in Sokoto.
The respected religious cum traditional leader, who is also a retired Army General, said the current insecurity challenges are so complex because “you do not know who your enemies are unlike the civil war scenario”.
Sultan observed that “the Nigeria Army do not have such serious challenge during the civil war like now. During the civil war, you know your enemies and who you are facing. But this present insecurity is different as you do not know who your enemies are”.
Sultan, however in his consolation, said like other Nigerians, he has confidence in the Nigerian security forces.
“These challenges are not insumuntable. We have confidence in the Nigerian security. They will overcome.
“I know the capabilty of the Nigerian Army. They are highly professional. They are committed to a united and peaceful Nigeria”.
To the COAS, Sultan said, “We believe in destiny that Allah put you there to do your best”, appealing therefore to the Nigeria Army to be loyal to the country, as there have to be a country first before any other thing.
“I always feel so happy receiving personnel of the military. I thank all of you for home coming. In Sokoto, we dont discriminate which was why we do not have non indegenes but resident community”, Sultan reiterated.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya said he was in Sokoto his home state, to pay homage and seek royal blessings
“I am here to pay respect and seek royal blessings as a son of the soil. What I can continue to do is to appreciate the Sultan for everything. The Sultan have helped and assisted us with pieces of advise long ago even while in active service.
“You have helped many. You have crossed bridges and mend fences across the federation. You have shown unimaginable commitment to the service of humanity” the COAS observed.