Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III has renewed his call on the Federal Government for proper dialogue with insurgents in the wake of security challenges in the country.
The Sultan made the call in Sokoto yesterday, at his yearly Ramadan dinner with journalists in the state. He said the plight of over 200 Chibok girls abducted by insurgents in Borno State should call for serious concern among all stakeholders.
“One wonders if the schoolgirls abducted were our children, wouldn’t you dialogue to rescue them unhurt? Dialogue does not mean you are losing your face,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to learn from the American government that swapped five Taliban commanders for a citizen to save his life.
“The Federal Government must implore all avenues to free these schoolgirls. The fate of the common man solely lies in the hands of the leaders. Therefore, Nigerians must be concerned about who to choose as their leaders,” the Sultan said.
He urged security agencies not to relent in their confrontation with the insurgents, describing the security personnel as the last hope of the common man as far as security was concerned.
The Sultan identified the political class as the real problem of the country, stressing that what was happening in the country was not caused by religious issues.
His words: “Let us find a solution to the current insecurity in the land. Politicians are our greatest problem today. What is happening now is about political positions or struggle. It is people that cause all these problems, not spirits. If 2015 election is shifted now, everywhere will calm down.”
The monarch, however, challenged the leaders in the country to rule well and be responsive, adding that “things are getting worse because there is injustice and hunger in the land. I pray to God to provide food to all Nigerians and good leaders.”
He also urged Nigerians to turn to God and imbibe the spirit of tolerance, pointing out that “God that brought us together as Muslims and Christians knew what He did.”
Also speaking at the event, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Revd. Matthew Kukah, urged Nigerians to be united and protect the integrity of the country.

Chibok girls: Dialogue with insurgents, Sultan tells FG