Nigerians must unite to defeat extremism, terrorism – Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Ahaji Sa’ad Abubukar, has urged traditional rulers and other Nigerians to unite to collectively fight extremism and terrorism.
Abubakar made the appeal on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, when he visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba.
The sultan said that Nigerians, irrespective of religious leanings, had a common problem in terrorism.
He said: “We have common problems in this country – religious extremism, terrorism, poverty, unemployment, strikes, dearth of basic infrastructure, among others.
“These problems have no religious or tribal colour and we must unite and defeat them so that God Almighty, who created us, will bless us.
“We must close ranks and work for our people.”
The Sultan said that he was visiting the Gbong Gwom to strengthen the bond of relationship that had existed between them and also examine ways to help the country.
He added: “We have done a lot as traditional leaders, but now is time for us to do much more as fathers of the people.
“When your children are crying for obvious problems, which are very glaring for everybody to see, it is left for a father to stand and bring succour.
“We must stand up to see how the children can survive and live a good life.”
The Sultan commended the people of Jos for the peace that had returned to Plateau State, and expressed happiness at the heavy traffic flow, attesting to the return of normalcy in the metropolis.
He said: “The heavy traffic is a sign that peace has indeed returned to Jos.
“The town is becoming the same Jos we knew as young people.
“It is important that we keep this peace and ensure it is never thrown away.
“We must work hard to bring permanent peace not only to Plateau or North East, but every part of this country.
“We should keep on praying to God and I believe he will answer, but we also follow up such prayers with practical deeds and the teaching of morals to our people.”
The Gbong Gwom Jos, in his remarks, said that the visit would further strengthen the brotherly relationship that existed between the two monarchs.
Buba challenged Nigerians to return to God so that he would strengthen their lives and put things right for the nation.
He said: “Visits such as this are cementing factors.
“They are evidences that peace would definitely reign again in the country
“As you have noted, peace has returned to the Plateau but we will not claim that we have 100 per cent peace because other parts of Nigeria are still burning.
“As far as we are Nigerians, anything that affects any part of Nigeria affects all of us, so let us pray together and work together for peace of Nigeria, not just in parts of Nigeria.
“We will achieve peace if we sit together and talk with each other openly with sincerity of purpose so that God will help us.”
The monarch advised Nigerians against leaving the current violence for only the military or Presidency to tackle, saying that everyone must contribute his quota.