Sultan to Jonathan: End insurgency, don’t disenfranchise Nigerians

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Monday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately bring an end to the current insurgency in the country.
He also expressed concern over the use of religion and ethnicity by politicians at campaign rallies rather than issue based approach.
Abubakar spoke when President Jonathan visited him in his place.
He said, “Politicians should not encourage sentiments against patriotism and national unity among Nigerians.”
Citing example of the 2011 general election, the monarch added that “we are amazed at what is happening today. Even in 2011, we did not face such challenges.
“You must ensure peace and stability and the problem of insurgency must be brought to an end.
“There are problems in almost all sectors including education and the trend of insecurity among others. So we should address issues that could bring succour to an average Nigerian.”
Abubakar, who wondered why politicking had turned to war in the country, added, “we should know that both parties have significant number of Christians and Muslims as members and God knows why he created us to live together as Nigerians.
“We should respect our individual’s religious tenet otherwise one will be turning against his or her own religious tenet.”
He also warned against disenfranchising eligible voters in the country.
“Millions of Nigerians are likely to be disenfranchised for not obtaining their PVCs. I am one of those who up till now had not received the PVC.
President Jonathan told the Sultan that the visit was to seek his blessings as a mark of respect for the Sultanate, which he described as key for the peace and stability of the country.