Speaking at an interactive session with the traditional rulers under the aegis of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN, the president apprised them on the decision of his government to remove fuel subsidy, improve security, create jobs and sustain the environment as well as the forthcoming election of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

‘‘We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an open-door policy and that is the way I will go.

‘‘That open-door policy is for you to call me and send to me at any given time any concern that you might have.

‘‘We may not have it right 100 per cent of the time but we must get it right 90 per cent of the time for this country,’’ he said.

Responding to issues raised by the traditional rulers on challenges facing the country, he assured them, saying ‘‘worry not because the country is in good hands.”

He added that his administration was very conscious of the expectations of Nigerians.

On the decision to remove fuel subsidy, for which various speakers at the meeting expressed support, the president appealed to the traditional leaders to persuade Nigerians to have faith and that the pump prices of fuel will eventually come down.

‘‘I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing. You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not everyday is Christmas?

‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potentials to encourage ourselves.  I think we did the right thing,’’ he said.

While acknowledging concerns on the need for critical infrastructure in different parts of the country, President Tinubu pledged that any road block on the way of the progress of the Nigeria people would be removed by his government.

‘‘The lamentations about the capital projects, where is the money going to come from if we don’t protect our resources and our boundaries?

‘‘You cannot have development without capital projects,’’ he added.

On the leadership of the National Assembly, the president urged the royal fathers to counsel their subjects interested in elective positions on the need to manage their ambitions, and create harmony within the legislative house.

President Tinubu declared that he was ready to work with any elected representative from the National Assembly, stressing that the Nigeria project was of paramount importance to him.

‘‘Nigeria must survive. Nigeria must develop. Nigeria must make progress,’’ he said.

On security, the president reiterated his pledge to Nigerians to prioritise the sector until every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed.’’

He emphasized that the unity and togetherness of the country could not be compromised, saying that every region of the country would get what it was due.

‘‘We are going to tackle youth unemployment. It is only when we have the prosperity for the country that we can create jobs that will employ our youths.’’

Condemning crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region by a ‘tiny percentage’ of the population, President Tinubu said it was counterproductive to the growth of the economy.

‘‘We need to tame those involved in this sabotage and we will work as hard as possible to ensure that the diversity of this country is used for its prosperity, growth and stability.’’

President Tinubu told the traditional rulers that, with the campaigns and elections over, he was primed for governance, and his government had already signed a law that extended the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 years, while also addressing pension reforms.

Equally on electricity, the president said a constitutional amendment signed into law now allows Nigeria’s 36 states to generate electricity.

‘‘That’s devolution of power and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for and we will continue in ways that will help our people,’’ he said.

President Tinubu thanked members of NCTRN for their early visit and prayers for the success of his administration.

‘‘Without your prayers and support, I cannot stand before you as president and I thank you for your support during the campaigns,’’ he said.

In separate remarks, the Chairman and Co-Chairman of NCTRN, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, pledged the support and loyalty of traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones to President Tinubu.

They assured the president of their continued prayers in his resolve to move the country forward under his Renewed Hope agenda.

‘‘We are 100 per cent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward,’’ the Sultan said, while congratulating him and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their election victory, peaceful transition and assumption of office.

‘‘We will contribute our quota to the development of the country once you reach out to us,’’ the Sultan added.

The Ooni of Ife expressed delight that the country had remained united and focused despite the challenges.

Recounting that the president had said he deserved no pity from anyone because he asked for the job, the Imperial Majesty appealed to President Tinubu not to underestimate the power and reach of traditional rulers in complementing the programmes and visions of the new government.

The president and his deputy listened to presentations from representatives from the six geo-political zones, including Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Ibn Umar Al Amin El-kanemi; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Amanayabo of Nembe, Edmund Daukoru;  Tor Tiv,  Prof. James Ayatse; and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

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The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, announced Thursday, March 23, as the commencement of the fasting, being the first day of Ramadan 1444 AH in Nigeria.

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a radio and television broadcast.

He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations from across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifiying the end of Sha’aban 1444 AH.

“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly,” he declared.

The sultan urged Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

“We have chosen leaders that will take the affairs of our country and states in some months to come, we  should continue to pray for them in order to be able to redeem their promises to us.

“No one should maltreat anyone or cause destruction that will affect our relationships especially against those perceived to be political opponents.

“Elections have come and gone and winners have emerged as destined by God, so let every Muslim reconcile in the spirit of brotherhood, love, peace and unity.

“Islam was built on five pillars, and peace, unity and brotherhood among Muslims were basic and fundamental ingredients to strengthen the religion.

“We should not break relationships because of politics. We should live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” Abubakar said.

The sultan also called on wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslim faithful observe one month fast.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a compulsory religious obligation on all adult Muslims.

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Abubakar is the leader of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria on its Twitter handle, @moonsightingng.

In the announcement, the Sultan was quoted as calling on muslims to intensify efforts in acts of worship during the first ten days of the blessed month of Zul-Hijjah and also pray for peace, stability and progress of the country.

The tweets read:

“Assalaamu alaikum, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, has declared Thursday 30th June as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

“The Sultanate council will release an official statement shortly.

“Eidul Adha will be on Saturday, 10th Zul-Hijjah 1443H (9th July 2022) In Sha Allah. His Eminence, The Sultan hereby calls upon the Muslim Ummah to intensify efforts in acts of worship during the first ten days of the blessed month of Zul-Hijjah and also pray for peace, stability and progress of the country.”

Eid-el-Kabir is an important Islamic festival in which muslims slaughter rams.

It celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s dedication to Allah.

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It said the programme had become counter-productive in the fight against terrorism.

The Christian group gave the warning in its message to Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, signed by its General Secretary, Barrister Joseph Bade Daramola.

“In the same vein, we call on the federal government to reconsider the de-radicalising and rehabilitating of the arrested and the surrendered terrorists simply because it seems the programme considered laudable is becoming counterproductive,” the statement reads in part.

In the statement, CAN rejoiced with Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, and the entire Muslims as they celebrate this year Eid-el-Fitr.

The message reads in full: “CAN congratulates our Muslims, brothers and sisters on the end of the Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month during which Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset.

“Since the month, among other things, aims to purify the soul and bring the individual closer to God, we urge you all to abide with the teaching and the principles of Ramadan in your daily activities.

“We know that it is those who fight and kill on religion basis that are largely responsible for the unending killings and abductions in the country. It is these pseudo-Muslims who are slaughtering fellow human beings and who burn down worship and market places, all in the name of God who is peace personified. We are praying for their repentance.

“The CAN leadership will not cease having dialogues on peace  and unity with the leadership of NSCIA at the forum provided for us by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC.

“In the same vein, we call on the federal government to reconsider the de-radicalising and rehabilitating of the arrested and the surrendered terrorists simply because it seems the programme considered laudable is becoming counterproductive.

“Once again, CAN rejoices with our Muslim counterparts and we pray that their prayers and restraints during the month will not be in vain.

“Happy Eid-el-Fitr.

“Barka Da Sallah.”

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Abubakar announced this in a statement on Saturday signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in Conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any report from various Moon Sighting committees across the country.

“This, confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1443AH, on Saturday April 30, 2022, which was 29th day of Ramadan 1443AH.

“Therefore, Sunday May 1, 2022, is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1443AH.

“The Sultan have accepted the report and accordingly declared Monday, May 2, 2022, as the first day of Shawwal 1443AH, Day of Eid-el-Fitr,” he said.

The Sultan felicitated with Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah guidance and blessings.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country, while wishing all Nigerians happy Eid-el-Fitr.

Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, which comes after the fasting month of Ramadan.

Sighting of the new moon signified the first day of Shawwal in which the Muslim Ummah celebrate Sallah and end the compulsory fasting of Ramadan.

Source: NAN

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The President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, made the appeal in a statement by the Director of Administration, NSCIA, Malam Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Sultan enjoined Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement on the night of Friday (April 1) for the commencement of the 1443 AH Ramadan fast.

He also appealed to endowed Muslims in the country to extend acts of charity to the less-privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, felicitates with the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1443AH Ramadan Fast.

“The Council prays that Allah spares the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah (worship) exercise and to maximise the benefits therein.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), Sultan enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1443AH immediately after sunset on Friday, April 1, 2022, which is equivalent to Sha’aban 29, 1443AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then Sultan will declare Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the first day of Ramadan 1443AH.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, April 3, 2022, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1443AH,” the statement reads in part.

Sultan, therefore, enjoined all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan to help the nation, the world in general and leaders in particular to overcome the current challenges confronting the nation and the world.

“Furthermore, Council urges Muslims and non-Muslims alike to be vigilant and take extra security and health-measures to protect ourselves, loved ones and neighbours.

“Fasting brothers and sisters should ensure they have enough rest and consume sufficient fluid after each day’s fast,” it stated.

Source: NAN

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The president made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, led by the Co-Chairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev’d  Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle.

Commending the leadership of NIREC for intervening in the year-long strike by ASUU and holding consultations with the parties, the president said no society which wished itself well neglected its educational system and all its component parts.

President Buhari urged NIREC that in its subsequent consultations with members of ASUU, it was important that they shared with them that government regarded them and the service they provided to the nation very highly.

”However, they should be cognizant of the fiscal pressures that we are currently facing. Nevertheless, we remain committed to honoring our promises.

”For their part, I would like to encourage ASUU to continue to work with us towards finding resolutions to the challenges that confront us.

”My administration is committed to this engagement and dialogue, and I urge them to stay the course towards a joint resolution in the best interest of our children and nation,” he said.

Responding to issues raised by the leadership of NIREC on finding sustainable solutions to the perennial and disruptive strikes that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s university system, the president said he had directed his Chief of Staff, the Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education to make resolving this issue a priority.

The president said he had received briefing from the Minister of Labour, detailing the situation at the moment, given the various interested parties, and he apprised the meeting as follows:

”To show our commitment, several payments have been made over the last 6 months, addressing several of the issues you raised – details of which the Minister of Labour and Employment can make available to you.

”Funding has also been provided for infrastructure development across several public universities and several of them have begun drawing down on this facility to improve their level of infrastructure

”Finally, and perhaps the most contentious of issues regarding the decision to use either the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) or the University Transparency Accountability Solutions (UTAS).

”As you may be aware, IPPIS was introduced as a means of blocking leakages. Through IPPIS, the Federal Government was able to save over N100 billion annually from the core civil service alone.  In view of the resistance from ASUU we devised UTAS which is now on the table.

”I have also been informed that the System Assessment Report conducted by NITDA has been shared by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to all stakeholders including ASUU, and they are to make the appropriate modifications and report their recommendations.”

CAN president, while speaking on behalf of the Council, said the meeting with Buhari was on the single point of averting strikes in the universities and the challenges of ASUU,  which they consider to be of national interest.

Dr Ayokunle told the president that from NIREC’s meeting with ASUU on January 10, 2022, the university lecturers outlined that the bone of contention between the union and federal government centred on eight issues including inconclusive renegotiation of 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, UTAS, IPPIS and distortion in salary payment challenges.

According to him, other contentious issues are visitation panels to federal universities report issues, funding for revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowance, state universities and promotion arrears.

The NIREC leadership, while acknowledging that some of the issues had been addressed by the government, appealed to President Buhari to direct the immediate return to the table to conclude the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement.

”If the renegotiation process continues to conclusion, issues that the government is not comfortable with can be re-negotiated with a view to reaching only implementable agreements. We believe that with renegotiation in place, other issues will be adequately addressed along the line,” the NIREC co-chair said.

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Abubakar is the President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA.

The congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by MMPN president, Alhaji Abdurrahman Balogun.

The statement reads in full:

“On behalf of the entire members of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), we hereby felicitate with our beloved and dynamic Grand Patron, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on his ascension to the throne 15 years ago.

“Quoting from Prof. Ishaq Akintola 15th year coronation lecture on this unique leader of Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, His Eminence “effectively falls into all three categories of greatness. As a prince of the highest traditional stool in Nigeria, he was born great. By rising with a dint of hardwork and discipline to become a Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army and by actualising his princehood to sit on the throne of his forefathers in the Sultanate, he achieved greatness.

“Thereafter, by virtue of his twin role as the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) where he has to play the highly challenging role of leading more than 120 million Muslims, he has greatness thrust upon him”.

“As the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, who was crowned on November 2, 2006, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, is an exemplary leader, a bridge builder, humble servant of Allah and an advocate of religious harmony in Nigeria.

“His wonderful leadership role has earned him accolades both from Nigeria and abroad as the ‘people’s Sultan’ , youth and peace Ambassador.

“First and foremost, his open door policy and active participation in programmes organised by Muslims all over the country has endeared him to millions of Muslims in the country.

“The Sultan, for the first time in the history of. Sultanate in Nigeria, has created many interventions geared towards improved socio-economic cum spiritual welfare of Muslims and humanity in general.

“It is our fervent prayer for the Sultan for Allah (SWT) to continue to elevate him, grant him longevity of life to be able to serve the Ummah and preserve him for us in goodness.”

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Sultan also congratulated the State of Osun on its 30th anniversary of state creation, describing the state as one that is blessed with abundant natural and human resources.

Abubakar, while delivering his opening remark during Osun’s  30th anniversary Colloquium, said: “I congratulate the Government and the good People of Osun on the attainment of this milestone and on recording landmark achievements that humble older states in these three decades of existence.

“As we celebrate this momentous event, it is apposite to pay glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the State of Osun whose vision has produced talents that have given vent to the foundation they built 30 years ago.

“I salute the vision and insight of the Military Administrators and all the Governors of the State. Their capacity to dream and to assemble talents to build an enviable and award-winning state is phenomenal and has shown in the huge achievements of the state.

“Osun is blessed with abundant natural and human resources, but that is just the first leg of the state’s measure of greatness. The second leg is the deliberate inculcation of the Omoluabi ethos whose contents include the spirits of excellence, hard work, integrity and peaceful mien in all its citizens to serve the state meritoriously.

“It is therefore no surprise that in these 30 years of statehood, Osun has produced a galaxy of stars in all the sectors and areas of human endeavour.

“I have followed the programmes of Government Oyetola closely since his assumption of office. A deep thinker and a silent reformer and performer, he came into government with Development Agenda hinged on adequate, quality and equitable service in all sectors. He has also introduced people-oriented policies based on inclusive governance and sustainable development,” he said.

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NSCIA identified the travellers as Muslims.

While affirming the statements by governors of Plateau  and Ondo states that it was a case of mistaken identity and not particularly intended for the Muslims, the Council appealed to all Muslims to be calm and that nobody should take laws into his or her hands.

The council, in a statement issued by its Director of Administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, re-emphasized that no human life deserved to be wasted on any ground be it religious or ethnic.

The council said it was monitoring the investigation and would ensure that justice was done.

The statement reads further: “In the spirit of the Islamic injunction, ‘O you who have believed! If some transgressors bring you news (that requires taking action), verify it carefully (before you believe and act upon it), lest you harm a people in ignorance and then become regretful for what you have done’ (Qur’an 49:6), we re-assure all peace-loving individuals and groups that appropriate actions would be taken subsequent to a thorough investigation.

“In the meantime, while efforts are on to locate the eight missing Muslims, the Council urges the security agencies to fish out all the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and ensure that adequate justice is done.

“The Council commiserates with all Muslims, particularly Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the host of the religious event from which the victims were returning.

“The Council prays that Almighty Allah heals the wounded and grant Al-jannah to the departed martyrs. Amin.”

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