…I am working for a united Nigeria – Ex-Kano Emir
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily -Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated the need for Nigerians to coex5 peacefully and in religious harmony to enhance development in the country.
The Governor gave the charge at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, during a visit by the former Emir of Kano, Sheikh Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on Saturday, June 5, 2021.
Sanusi, a deposed Emir of Kano State, now leads the Tijaniyya Islamic Sect of Nigeria, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Taiwo Adisa, said.
He quoted Sanusi, whose is also a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as saying that without peace, justice and harmonious living, development may elude the country.
The statement added that the governor praised the former Emir for being courageous in championing the course of peace, unity and harmonious existence at this critical time in the nation’s history.
“In the South-West, we are so interconnected religious-wise that there is no family you won’t see a Muslim or a Christian in there.
“It, therefore, comes to nothing for any vested interest to want to divide us using religion,” Makinde said.
Furthermore, he added: “I usually tell my people here that those who think they can create divisions among us using religion should look for better things to do because it will not work in here.
“Just as we in Yorubaland have learnt to live peacefully together, I will recommend that you preach religious harmony to all parts of Nigeria, because that is a win-win situation for us all.
“As you journey through the country, preaching peace, in your role as leader of the Tijanniya Islamic Sect, please endeavour to always impress it on our people to imbibe religious harmony.”
Sheikh Sanusi, in his speech, told the Governor that he was in the state to meet with members of the Tijaniyyah sect.
He said that he has taken it as his duty to do everything within his powers to preach peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
According to him, the Tijaniyyah sect, which he now leads, has a 70 million strong population, adding that the sect will continue to work for peace, unity and development in Nigeria.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion, according to Adisa, include the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Debo Ogundoyin, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Bayo Lawal and the chairman, Oyo State Advisory Board, Senator Hosea Agboola.
Others were Islamic clerics and top government officials.