Nigeria’s unity must be put above ethnic differences – Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerian Muslims to put aside ethnic, regional and social differences and work together to promote national unity, religious tolerance and peace.

He warned that ethnic and regional interests should not be allowed to weaken the Muslim community or undermine efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

The Sultan made the appeal on Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State, while speaking at the 11th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria, MUSWEN, held at the M.O. Abdul Hall, University of Ibadan Central Mosque Auditorium.

The gathering attracted Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, government officials and other prominent personalities. It was held under the theme, ‘Insecurity in Nigeria: A Technology-Driven and Collective Approach for National Development’.

Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, said Muslims must recognise their shared religious identity and avoid anything that could divide them.

He explained that humanity was created as one family by Almighty Allah, adding that religious responsibilities and common human values should take priority over ethnic affiliations.

“We are one big family. Ethnicity should never be a determining factor in identifying who is a Muslim and who is not. Almighty Allah created us as one human family and commanded us to worship Him alone and glorify His name,” the Sultan said.

He urged Muslims not to allow political interests, ethnic sentiments or regional loyalties to take precedence over the teachings of Islam.

“It must be Islam first, Islam first, Islam first, and Islam last,” he declared.

The monarch also stressed that all human beings were equal before Allah, regardless of their ethnic background, social status or financial position.

According to him, righteousness, good character and fear of Allah are the qualities that determine a person’s standing before God.

“Before Allah, we are all equal. The best among us is the one who possesses the greatest degree of piety and righteousness,” he said.

The Sultan called on Islamic leaders, religious organisations and institutions to strengthen their commitment to serving both Islam and humanity.

He cautioned against allowing ethnic and regional interests to destroy the unity and shared aspirations of the Muslim Ummah.

He further urged Muslims to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance, noting that Islamic teachings should be reflected in practical efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security, stability and development.