Akpabio, Northern Senators Pour Encomiums On Sultan At 70

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) have felicitated the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), e Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 70th birthday. They described him as a symbol of wisdom, service, peace and national unity.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the Sultan as an exemplary statesman whose life had been defined by service, faith and an unwavering commitment to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

The Senate President commended the Sultan’s distinguished reign, noting that his leadership had consistently reflected grace, wisdom, courage and a strong sense of responsibility to the nation.
“Your reign as the Sultan of Sokoto has been defined by grace, statesmanship and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion. At 70, you remain a father to all and a moral compass for our nation,” Akpabio said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum has celebrated the Sultan, describing his life as a testament to service, sacrifice and nation-building.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum hailed the Sultan’s contributions to peace, national unity and interfaith harmony.

The senators noted that Sultan Abubakar’s distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, where he rose to the rank of Brigadier-General, included peacekeeping operations in Africa, military command, presidential security and diplomatic service.

According to the forum, his military career prepared him for the responsibility of providing traditional and spiritual leadership to millions of Nigerians following his emergence as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto in 2006.

The NSF said that over the past two decades, the Sultan had distinguished himself as a strong advocate for peace, tolerance, interfaith dialogue and national cohesion.

The senators also commended his engagements with political, religious and ethnic leaders across the Country, saying his advocacy for peaceful coexistence and commitment to Nigeria’s unity had earned him respect nationally and internationally.

“At a time when our country needs voices of wisdom, moderation and reconciliation, his leadership remains particularly invaluable,” the forum said.

The NSF thanked God for granting the Sultan 70 years of impactful service and prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for him to continue serving the Sultanate, the Muslim Ummah, the North and Nigeria.

The forum also wished the Sultan many more years of purposeful service, peace and divine blessings.