… Says No religious, tribal group has monopoly of leading Nigeria
Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal has said Nigeria needed leadership that understands the issues of diversities and is inclusive in its approach to governance, without tribal or religious sentiments.
He also affirmed that no one group of people, no matter its religious or tribal affiliation, has monopoly of leading Nigeria to the exclusion of other people of the country.
The governor stated this when he received the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Ayokunle Olasupo who paid him courtesy visit at the Council Chamber of Government House, Sokoto on Friday.
According to Tambuwal, there is the need to remain together for the betterment of the country, because the leadership of the country is mutually complimentary as it belongs to every Nigerian, and no one can send anyone out of the country.
“The kind of leadership the country needs is one that understands the issues of diversities and is inclusive in his approach to governance, without tribal or religious sentiments.
“Both Islam and Christianity have been coexisting even before the union of the country came into existence. Those who know history said Christianity and Islam belong to the same root. Jerusalem and Damascus are examples of places where the two religions are being practiced side by side.
”There is need for us to continue practicing the teaching of the two religions as ordained by God. If we go by the real teachings of the two religions, there would not be friction or any reason to fight one another,” Tambuwal said.
He commended the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and the CAN President for their efforts in preaching peace and unity in the country, indicating that Sokoto state is home to every Nigerian irrespective of religious, tribal or ethnic differences.
The governor also explained that in pursuance of the objective of unity, all children of other Nigerians resident in the state who attend public schools are exempted from paying fees just as the indigenes of the state enjoy free education.
Tambuwal added that in line with this education policy, in the area of health too, the state government’s Zakkat and Waqaf Commission foots the medical bills of indigent Nigerians resident in the state side by side those of the less privileged state indigenes.
In his remarks, the CAN President, Rev. Olasupo said he was in the state to interact with the Sultanate, the government and people of Sokoto state so as to find ways to overcome the security challenges being faced in the country.
Calling on Muslins and Christians to live in harmony, Rev. Olasupo condoled the people of the state over the loss of lives occasioned by the unfortunate incident of bandits attacks in some communities of the state.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its giant stride in providing security in the state.
