Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the preservation and protection of traditional institutions in Nigeria.
He made the statement on Friday while speaking at the 45th Anniversary of the Emir of Gumel, Ahmed Sani II, and the commissioning of the Gumel Central Mosque in Gumel Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Shettima emphasised the enduring and essential role of traditional rulers, who he described as the closest to the grassroots, and the leaders and fathers of society.
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He contrasted the nature of traditional institutions with elective offices, stating: “The tenure of every elective political office holder ends after eight years but the traditional institutions remain. Therefore, we must respect them, we must take care of them, and we must preserve as well as protect the institution.”
He congratulated Sani II, on his 45th anniversary, noting that the Emir is the 13th Emir of Gumel since the Emirate was founded in 1750.
He recalled that the Emir is a Political Science graduate who served as a Commissioner in the old Kano State cabinet before ascending the throne.
Shettima also paid tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Abubakar III, calling him a symbol of our unity and commending him for criss-crossing the length and breadth of this country, building bridges.
Additionally, Shettima applauded the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat.
He noted that this single achievement by Jigawa was more than the collective effort of the “entire 18 northern states.”
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Earlier, Namadi thanked Shettima for honouring the invitation to the historic ceremony, expressing gratitude for his commitment to the progress of the state.
The Sultan of Sokoto also spoke at the event, preaching unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among all Nigerians and commending him for his dedication to peace and the development of traditional institutions.
