Emulate Sultan, Obasanjo urges Nigerian leaders
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday took a step forward to rub minds with Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar on some national issues, urging Nigerians to emulate the visionary leadership being provided by the revered leader as a role model.
The former President, who was in Sokoto to commission the 20 million gallons Asare water project in Wamakko Local Government, inspection of on-going construction of the NYSC permanent orientation camp as well as the foundation stone laying of the N2.6 billion Usman Farouk secretariat, also described Sultan Abubakar as a dogged leader whose sense of direction is stemmed towards ensuring peace, unity and harmony of Nigeria.
Obasanjo, who spoke in Sokoto during a courtesy visit to Sultan Abubaka, said he was in the palace to rub minds with him on matters concerning the nation.
He said: 'You are the kind of leader that should be looked up to as a role model in providing the necessary mechanism with direction for the country.
'You are a role model worthy of emulation and we will continue to pray to God to give you more strength and health to continue with your responsibilities.'
The former President, who is also a title holder of 'Yallaban Sokoto' in the Caliphate, noted how much Sultan Abubakar stood for the unity and cohesion of the country, especially in difficult times.
Responding, Sultan Abubakar told the former President that Nigeria needs people like him as a two-time leader of the country.
He said: 'You served as both military and civilian president and Nigerians are still proud of you.
'We will always work and be in touch with you on issues bordering on the country and its citizens.
' We are proud of you as a former president and I urge other political office holders to work together and tirelessly for the growth and stability of the country.'
The revered leader, who however decried the level of under development in the country, noted that 'Nigeria should have been far better than it is today but for its multiple problems,' reiterating his call against those using religion to forment trouble to desist from the act.
He urged the former president to continue to be at the forefront in ensuring one Nigeria.
Abubakar, while re-confiring the title of Yallaban Sokoto on the former president, presented him a a book, Principles of Leadership According to the Founding Fathers of the Caliphate.