Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, waxed historical yesterday as he drew
from the recorded words of Uthman Dan Fodiyo, the founder of the Sokoto
Caliphate on the need for leaders to stand firm against extremism,
injustice and corruption in the country.
Speaking in Sokoto at the 10-year commemoration symposium for the Sultan
of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar’s (III) ascension
to the throne, Prof. Osinbajo recalled the legacy of Dan Fodiyo, stressing
that he acknowledged that a leader has the responsibility not to be
corrupt and also to look after the well-being of his people.
”He wrote and I quote ‘when you find a man who has the tendency to steal,
he is in same class as a monkey “, according to the Vice President at the
event attended by the Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the Emir of
Kano, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi among several other dignataries.
Vice President Osinbajo traced the legacies of past Sultans, their
contributions towards promoting justice, jurisprudence and overall
development of the society and noted that it was gratifying that Sultan
Sa’ad Abubakar, the 20th Sultan took after his forebears.
He noted that his reign has been remarkable given the myriad of challenges
which the country has been facing since he ascended the throne, observing
that the Sultan is in good standing both with his people and Nigerians.
“You have led by a string values and you have worked hard to break
parochial barriers. You have developed deep friendship with leaders such
as Cardinal Onayiekan, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Christian leaders and leaders
of all faiths locally and internationally”, Prof. Osinbajo declared.
He congratulated the Sultan for the milestone recorded in the last decade
and praised the Sultan for “your extended great kindness and generosity to
so many, regardless of status, recognising common humanity and frailties
of all”.
Before declaring the symposium open, Vice President Osinbajo prayed for
continuing strength, good health, wisdom and long life for the Sultan.