Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the President Tinubu administration’s commitment to preserving and protecting traditional institutions in Nigeria.
VP Shettima said that traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots and are the leaders and fathers of the society, so their institutions outlive every administration.
The Vice President gave the assurance on Friday during the 45th anniversary of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Sani II, and the Commissioning of Gumel Central Mosque in Gumel Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The Vice President stated that the tenure of every elective political office holder ends after eight years but the traditional institutions remain for life.
“Therefore, we must respect them, we must take care of them, and we must preserve as well as protect the institution,” he added.
The Vice President, who congratulated the Emir of Gumel for celebrating his 45th anniversary in good health, prayed Almighty God to spare the life of the traditional ruler to witness his Golden Jubilee and centenary celebrations.
“I am quite glad to be back home. Gumel is home. Founded in 1750 by Danjuma, this Emirate has a rich history. When Danjuma died in 1754, he was succeeded by his son, and our royal father who is celebrating his 45th anniversary as the Emir of Gumel is the 13th Emir of Gumel. He is a graduate of Political Science.
“He was a Commissioner in the cabinet of the late former governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, before he was elevated to the throne of his ancestors. May Allah continue to bless him with good health and may his reign be long,” the Vice President prayed.
VP Shettima also paid glowing tribute to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, saying the Sultan “is truly a leader worthy of emulation by us all.
“He (Sultan) is a symbol of our unity. Last week, he was in Kaduna. Hardly a week passes without the Sultan criss-crossing the length and breath of this country building bridges. Your Eminence, we are very grateful to you. May Allah bless you with sound health and long life,” the Vice President said.
Agriculture
VP Shettima also applauded the Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, which, according to him, is more than what the entire 18 northern states cultivated.
“Your Excellency, we thank you; we are mightily proud of you. May the Almighty Allah continue to strengthen our unity and understanding, “ VP Shettima said.
Earlier, Governor Namadi thanked the Vice President Shettima for honouring the invitation by the Jigawa State Government and Gumel Emirate to grace the 45th Anniversary of the reigning Emir of Gumel and the commissioning of Gumel Central Mosque.
His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Abubakar Sa’ad III, preached unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and cultural diversity.
The Sultan, who congratulated the Emir of Gumel for marking his 45th anniversary celebration, commended the Vice President for his dedication and commitment to the preservation of traditional institutions, peace, unity and development of the country.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including members of the Jigawa State Executive Council and federal lawmakers.