Princes from royal families in northern Nigeria, comprising sons and descendants of emirs and district heads under the platform In Kaji Tambura Foundation, have thrown their weight behind the nomination of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III as Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by the Secretary of the group, Prince Mahmood Aminu Adamu, who holds the traditional title of “Sardaunan Bunun Bauchi” and issued to our correspondent on Wednesday in Gombe, the group described the recent opposition to the Sultan’s nomination by the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) as “weak and inconsistent with the objectives of national unity.”

According to him, Sultan has the largest empire in the north, adding that all northern emirs are under him, “hence his choice to serve as co-chairman of the council is well deserved.”

He added that the Sultan had been chairing meetings, engagements, and fora of traditional rulers in the north, saying it is not out of order if he co-chairs the National Council of Traditional Rulers.

The group praised the Sultan’s track record of neutrality, peace-building, and visionary leadership, noting that he has been a bridge-builder and a voice for interfaith harmony in Nigeria.

“We fully and unequivocally support the nomination of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, as Permanent Co-Chairman of the NCTRN. His record of service, intellectual engagement with national issues, calm disposition during crises, and ability to bring people together across faiths and ethnicities make him not only suitable but necessary for the stability and credibility of this council,” the statement reads.

The group urged the National Assembly, the Presidency, and the Nigerian public to support the nomination, stating that it would promote the growth of traditional institutions and foster unity among traditional leaders nationwide.