Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The household of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, has challenged Nigerian leaders to embrace dialogue, accountability and non secular tolerance because the nation grapples with insecurity, communal tensions and rising threats to peaceable coexistence.
The name got here because the household prepares to mark 20 years since Maccido died within the October 29, 2006, ADC Airlines Flight 053 crash in Abuja, which claimed 96 lives, together with the Sultan, his son, Senator Badamasi Maccido, and his grandson.
In a press release on Sunday signed by Bello Maccido, the household stated the late monarch’s management philosophy provided enduring classes for a rustic fighting safety and social challenges.
“At a time when our nation faces serious security and social challenges, the ideals our father stood for remain as relevant as ever,” the household stated.
Maccido, who grew to become the nineteenth Sultan of Sokoto in April 1996, was identified for his emphasis on session, moderation, nationwide unity and repair to humanity.
He additionally served as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the place he occupied a distinguished place within the nation’s Islamic management.
Born in 1926 in Dange, Sokoto State, Maccido was a son of Sultan Abubakar III and a descendant of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio. Before ascending the throne, he served in public administration, together with as Presidential Liaison Officer in Sokoto State.
The household stated his reign was marked by help for interfaith engagement, schooling, public well being and campaigns towards polio and HIV/AIDS, reflecting his conviction that conventional establishments ought to contribute meaningfully to nationwide growth.
It recalled former President Shehu Shagari’s description of Maccido as a affected person and consultative chief who most well-liked dialogue to confrontation.
“He does not rush or dictate things,” Shagari was quoted as saying.
The Sultan died when an ADC Boeing 737 crashed shortly after taking off from Abuja on October 29, 2006. He had travelled to the capital to attend a Presidential Forum on Education.
The tragedy additionally claimed the lives of a number of different passengers and crew, making the anniversary a second of remembrance for households affected by the catastrophe.
The Maccido household urged Nigerians to protect the late Sultan’s legacy by selling peaceable coexistence, justice and nationwide unity. It additionally referred to as for stronger aviation security measures and regulatory accountability to stop related tragedies.
“Let this twentieth remembrance be more than an occasion for mourning,” the household stated, urging residents to work in direction of the peaceable, simply and united society the late monarch championed.
