Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to preserving and protecting traditional institutions in Nigeria.
Mr Shettima gave the assurance on Friday at the 45th anniversary of the emir of Gumel, Ahmed Mohammed Sani II (CON) and the launch of Gumel Central Mosque in Jigawa.
The vice-president said that traditional rulers, who are the closest to the grassroots, are the leaders and fathers of the society, whose institutions outlive every administration.
According to him, every elective political office holder’s tenure ends after eight years, but traditional institutions remain.
He said, “We must, therefore, respect them, we must take care of them, and we must preserve and protect the institution.”
He congratulated the emir of Gumel for celebrating his 45th anniversary in good health and prayed that God would spare the life of the traditional ruler to witness the Golden Jubilee and centenary celebrations.
He added that “I am quite glad to be back home. Gumel is home. This Emirate has a rich history, founded in 1750 by Danjuma. When Danjuma died in 1754, he was succeeded by his son and our royal father, who is celebrating his 45th anniversary as the 13th Emir of Gumel.
“He was a commissioner in the cabinet of late former governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, before he was elevated to the throne.
“May Allah continue to bless him with good health and may his reign be longer.”
Mr Shettima used the occasion to pay tributes to the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, saying, “Sultan is truly a leader worthy of emulation by us all. He is a symbol of our unity.
“Last week, he (Sultan) was in Kaduna. Hardly a week passes without the Sultan crossing the length and breadth of this country, building bridges.
“Your Eminence, we are very grateful to you. May Allah bless you with sound health and long life.”
Mr Shettima also commended Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, which is more than what the entire 18 northern states cultivated.
He said, “Your Excellency, we thank you, we are proud of you, may the Almighty Allah continue to strengthen our unity and understanding.”
Earlier, the governor had thanked the vice-president for honouring the invitation of the Jigawa State government and Gumel Emirate to grace the 45th anniversary of the emir of Gumel.
The Sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), preached unity, tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians, irrespective of religious and cultural diversity.
The sultan, who congratulated the emir on marking the 45th anniversary, commended the vice-president for his dedication and commitment to the preservation of traditional institutions, peace, unity, and the development of the country.