Don’t use Islam as excuse for violence, Sultan warns Nigeria Muslims

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Thursday warned Muslims against fomenting trouble in the name of religion in the country.


Mr. Abubakar spoke in his Palace when the Emirs of Gwandu and Argungu in Kebbi, Ilyasu Bashar and Sama’ila Mera, respectively, paid him the traditional sallah homage.

According to him, Islam is a religion of peace and it abhors violence.

“Violence and mayhem tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims and we should shun them. We should only rely on God, the Almighty, as the Alpha and Omega of the World,’’ he said.

The sultan further appealed to northerners to work toward ensuring sustained peace and unity.

“This should be ensured in the region and by extension all parts of the country, as God has created us together with diverse backgrounds.

“These religious, ethnic and cultural differences, among others, should further unite and not divide us,” he said.

Earlier, Messrs Bashar and Mera had told the sultan that they were in his palace to pay respect to him, adding: “we are here to strengthen the bond of relationships between us.’’

(NAN)