Shettima seeks North West leaders’ support for Tinubu administration

• Sultan backs FGs policies

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders in the North West region of the county to unite and support the present administration’s efforts in addressing the challenges confronting the people.

The Vice President made the call yesterday when he paid Sallah homage to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Saád Abubakar II, in his palace.

He noted that President Tinubu was aware of the challenges facing the people, especially the insecurity that has pervaded the North West region, adding that he was taking far-reaching measures to address the situation.

“I urge our political leaders to unite in order to confront the common challenges of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment in the region,” he said.

While conveying President Tinubu’s felicitations, the Vice President emphasised the importance of peace and unity, noting: “There can never be peace without development; there can never be development without peace.”

He added that the Tinubu administration acknowledges the role of the traditional institution and remains committed to giving it the necessary support to contribute to the nation’s progress.

Shettima also tasked the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, on providing purposeful leadership, admonishing him to maintain cordial relationship with leaders across the state.

Speaking earlier during a brief reception at the Government House, Sokoto expressed gratitude for the visit, describing the gesture by the Vice President as a show of “deep love for Sokoto State and its people.”

He described Shettima as a man of patience, tolerance and courage, assuring him of the state’s support for the success of the Tinubu administration.

On his part, the Sultan thanked Shettima for the homage, praying God to grant him wisdom and strength to discharge tasks assigned to him as the nation’s number two citizen.

He commended the Federal Government for the bold steps taken so far to address the challenges confronting the nation, noting: “It is better to take certain decisions now, no matter the hardship. The gains of the future are more important.”

The religious leader also pledged the support of the Sultanate for the Federal Government’s policies and programmes.

“We support you 100 per cent all of the time and we give you our word on this. We will do whatever it takes to maintain peace and stability in our country Nigeria,” he assured.

Other dignitaries at the Sallah homage were Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir; the senator representing Sokoto North senatorial District, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (North), Sen. Abubakar Kyari and Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bodinga.