SAMBO RECONCILES MUSLIM LEADERS WITH JONATHAN •FG TO APPOINT SA ON ISLAMIC AFFAIRS

Aggrieved Muslim leaders, who were not comfortable with the alleged imbalance of the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, have been assured by VIce-President Namadi Sambo that the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government has taken steps to address the matter and would also,appoint a Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs.
Sambo, who appealed to the Muslim leaders, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, to be calm and continue to pray for a united Nigeria, spoke on Sunday during the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) golden jubilee lecture.
According to Sambo,”the Federal Government would ensure fairness and justice to all Nigerians irrespective of religion and ethnicity. Government has taken measures to address the constant crises between farmers and pastoralists in an effort to resolve the insecurity problem in the country and ensure return of normalcy.
“On the NSCIA complaint of imbalance of the national conference between Muslims and Christians, I want to confirm that Mr President has immediately directed positive action on the matter. Mr President accepted on my recommendation to appoint a Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs,”he said.
He explained further that the Federal Government was doing much to end insurgency in Nigeria, while efforts were on to ensure harmonious existence between farmers and pastoralists.
“We have strategised on how to stop the constant crises between farmers and pastoralists. We are making efforts to address the issue of grazing range and grazing reserves,” he said.
He commended the emirs who converged for the golden jubilee celebration for their fatherly advice and continued effort in ensuring that peace prevailed in their respective domains.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of JNI, expressed sadness over the plight of Muslims in the North-East.
The Federal Government, he said, must act and stop the insurgency ravaging the country, which he said was spreading fast.
The Sultan called on non Muslims to empathise with Muslims in the country and join them in ensuring the return of peaceful co-existence among the people of the country.
“We have discussed with government on the national conference and how to make it a success. We don’t want another jamboree. We have been giving advice to our leaders, it is left to them to take the advice or jettison them.
“Everyday, we hear of people being killed in different parts of the country. It is a nightmare that is spreading to other parts of the country in the name of cattle rustling. We are worried that Muslims, Christians and Fulani are being killed because life is sacred.
“Why are we fighting each other in the name of ethnicity of religion? We should all go about our religions peacefully. Our non-Muslim brothers should join us to look at problems bedevilling the country and find solutions to them,” he said.
Source: Tribune