How Sokoto residents welcomed Sultan after three-month absence

Residents of Sokoto, Monday turned out in large numbers to receive Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar as he returned to the state after being away for nearly three months. The Sultan’s aircraft touched down at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport about 6:15pm, where a crowd of supporters had gathered hours earlier in anticipation of his […]

Residents of Sokoto, Monday turned out in large numbers to receive Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar as he returned to the state after being away for nearly three months.

The Sultan’s aircraft touched down at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport about 6:15pm, where a crowd of supporters had gathered hours earlier in anticipation of his arrival. From the airport to his palace, major roads were lined with well-wishers offering prayers for his good health and long life.

The number of people created heavy human traffic, slowing the monarch’s convoy despite efforts by security personnel and palace officials to maintain order.

Eyewitnesses said enthusiastic residents surged towards the Sultan’s vehicle as it made its way through the city before he eventually arrived at the palace.

Sources close to the Sultanate said the monarch was visibly moved by the warm reception and was seen shedding tears in appreciation of the show of loyalty and affection.

The Sultan had been away on annual vacation, which coincided with his Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. 

He was accompanied by two of his children. Palace sources explained that the trip followed his usual routine of proceeding on end-of-year leave before undertaking Umrah at the beginning of Ramadan.

“This year, both engagements overlapped with the fasting period, so he moved directly from his holiday location to Saudi Arabia,” a member of the Sultan’s council said, dismissing speculation that the trip was for medical reasons or linked to any disagreement with the Sokoto State Government. Sources had claimed that the Sultan had fallen ill and was abroad for treatment. It would be recalled that he did not announce the sighting of the Ramadan moon this year, a clear departure from what has  been happening in the past 18 years, where he personally announced the commencement of the Ramadan fast.

Due to his absence, the announcement for the commencement of the Ramadan fast was made by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi.

Upon his return to Nigeria, the Sultan met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where they observed Iftar together.

While delivering his Sallah message shortly after returning from the Fakon Idi, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr prayers yesterday,  the Sultan refrained from commenting directly on his prolonged absence. Instead, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, effectively putting to rest rumours of a rift between the Sultanate Council and the state government.

He urged the governor to remain focused on delivering people-oriented projects, advising him not to be discouraged by criticism over government spending.

“As long as the projects are for the benefit of the people of Sokoto State, you should not be deterred,” the Sultan said.

The monarch also commended the state government’s Ramadan feeding programme, noting the expansion of feeding centres across the state.

Emphasising the importance of prayers, he called on Muslims to remain steadfast in seeking divine guidance for leaders and the country.

“Our people are facing challenges, particularly in the area of security. Leaders must intensify efforts to address these issues,” he said, while also stressing the need for unity among leaders to tackle the country’s problems.

Earlier, Governor Aliyu, who paid the traditional Sallah homage to the Sultan, acknowledged the critical role of traditional rulers in promoting moral values and societal development.

He commended the Sultan’s leadership and guidance, assuring continued collaboration with the Sultanate Council for the progress of the state.

The governor also congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and appreciated Islamic scholars for their prayers and teachings.

Aliyu further called for sustained public support for government at all levels and urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies in addressing the state’s security challenges.