We Cannot Be Partisan; Don’t Toy With Ethnicity, Religion ...Sultan

                             

Northern traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (III), have cautioned politicians against dragging them into partisan politics.

According to traditional rulers, such move will lead to chaos in the land as their positions bar them from supporting a particular individual or party.

Rising from a meeting on Friday, the Monarchs also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan on the proposed National Conference.

They held that the dialogue would enable Nigerians to resolve their differences and chart a new course for the country.

In a communique signed by the Emir of Birnin Bwari, Alhaji Zubair Jibril Maigwari (II), the rulers stated further that since the security of any nation is predicated on justice and fair play, the government should always promote these ideals for the unity and development of Nigeria.

They accused some interest groups of using religion and ethnicity to bring about divisions within the society to the detriment of the development of the nation.

“No meaningful development is possible where there is prevalence of poverty, illiteracy and general insecurity amongst the people,” the statement said.

“The proposed National Dialogue being planned is a positive attempt to give Nigerians of different opinions, the opportunity of coming together to chart a new course for the nation.

“The Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution in the North had since submitted its report to the government”, urging the government to fully implement the report.

Continuing, the Emirs urged the government to immediately address the problem of marginalization, as “some sections of the North have complained of imbalance in the political and economic opportunities given to them in relation to what obtains in other parts of the country.”

The body wondered why some interest groups were putting undue pressure on traditional rulers to be partisan to the detriment of their position as fathers to all.

Maigwari warned against those scheming to cause disaffection in the North, saying such acts would only destroy the region.

“Some divisive elements from within and outside the North are causing animosity and distrust amongst the different communities in the North, thereby weakening the hitherto strong bond of unity that existed in the region before and during the First Republic,” they said.

Arewa Monarchs further commended the president for signing the anti-gay bill which outlaws same sex marriage in Nigeria.

“We observed with delight, the passage by the National Assembly, and the subsequent signing into law by Mr. President, a Law Prohibiting Same Sex Marriage and council believes that the action is in line with our cherished norms, culture and religion”.