EXTRA: Obasanjo, Kukah turn horse riders in Sokoto

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Matthew Kukah, Catholic archbishop of Sokoto diocese were among the 3,000 horsemen at a grand Durbar held to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto.

The occasion was witnessed by dignitaries such as President Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President Bukola Saraki; and Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives.

In a remark at the event, Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto, who was also among the horsemen,  said the durbar was organised to celebrate the Sultan, whom he described as an astute leader, peace maker and bridge builder.

He also spoke on the leadership of Buhari, saying he had restored hope to the nation through his fight against corruption and insecurity.

Tambuwal noted that the Buhari administration had tamed insurgency, while efforts were on to solve problems of militancy, cattle rustling and other security challenges.

The governor also expressed optimism that the Buhari administration would reinvigorate the economy and set the nation on the path of growth and development.

In his response, the Sultan emphasised his belief in a united and indivisible Nigeria, and urged all Nigerians to come together and work for sustainable peace and unity in the country.

According to the monarch, Nigerians should be more pious and patriotic to ensure a more prosperous country.

Abubakar said: “There must also be equity and social justice, as without them there will be no development.”

Earlier, Muhammadu Sanusi II, emir of Kano, who was the chairman of the main organising committee, said the durbar was to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Sultan to national development.

On November 2, 2006, Abubakar was appointed as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate.