The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Monday urged the ECOWAS Commission to workout modalities that would assist Nigeria and other neighbouring countries to fight insurgency.
Abubakar made the call in Sokoto while receiving the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kader-Desire Ouedraogo.
The Sultan also called for a synergy with traditional institutions, saying that traditional institutions were closer to people and could contribute a lot in conflict resolution.
“We will do whatever it takes on our part to restore peace in our countries, the sub-region and Africa in particular,” he assured his visitor.
According to him, the Sultanate and the traditional institutions are appreciative of the efforts of the commission under ECOWAS.
“We know the importance of integration to ensure peace and stability in Africa and the ECOWAS sub-region,” he added.
The royal father also said that although Nigeria was at its peak of elections processes, he expressed optimism that the elections would come and go and the country would remain.
Abubakar also called on the commission to review its mechanism on conflict resolution to accommodate religious and traditional leaders, adding: “It will help a lot in resolving conflict within the sub-region.”
He commended ECOWAS for its foresight by including religious leaders in conflict resolution.
The Sultan later presented a publication on “The Principles of Leadership in the Caliphate” to the visitor.
Earlier, Ouedraogo had expressed delight at the caliphate’s efforts at preserving the collective history of the region and Africa and also acknowledged the Sultan’s vision for ECOWAS.
He said their mission was to fast track the avenue and measures aimed at fighting terrorism in the region.
He said: “That is why we decided to reach out to religious leaders for their support to ensure peace and stability in the region.
“Our visit is in line with the 40th anniversary of ECOWAS and we intend to organise a meeting, hence going round to request and rally support from religious leaders.
“And we will appreciate your support in organising religious leaders in West Africa so that you can play a significant role in achieving peace and stability.”
Ouedraogo assured that no member nation of ECOWAS would import small arms without an ECOWAS certificate.
“We will review all protocols to strengthen our mechanism for proper peace, unity, stability and security in Africa and the African sub-region,” he said.
According to the president, no development can be achieved without peace and security.