President Makes Hitch-Free Trip To Sokoto & Zamfara; Extols Sultan

ABUJA, Oct 12, (THEWILL) – In spite of bomb threats by "MEND" following President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Zamfara, the president had a hitch-free trip to both Zamfara and Sokoto states.

In Sokoto, President Jonathan commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Dr. Sa'ad Abubakar, for his exemplary leadership and contributions to peace in Nigeria.

Speaking during a courtesy visit on the Sultan as part of his official visit to Sokoto and Zamfara states, the president noted that the sultan's contributions are exemplary and that he has been acknowledged worldwide as a man of peace.

President Jonathan assured the Sultan that his administration is committed to taking Nigeria to greater heights so that by its centennial celebrations, Nigerians will have a country all can be proud of.

"We are determined to give the required leadership. This is our only country, we have no other one, so we must reposition it to attain great heights", he said.

He commiserated with the sultan over the floods which ravaged sections of Sokoto and Kebbi states, and said that the Federal Government has given and will continue to give major assistance to alleviate the situation.

In his remarks, Sultan Abubakar commended the President for successfully steering the ship of state so far. He stated that as a religious and traditional ruler, he is committed to doing what is right, and would not deviate from the path.

The Sultan later presented the President a white horse as a royal gift on behalf of himself and the sultanate.

Photo: President Jonathan admires the horse presented to him by the Sultan of Sokoto.

Earlier, the president was conferred with the traditional title of "Santuraki Talata Mafara" by the Emir of Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, HRH. Muhammadu Bello Barmo.

The President was honoured just before he commissioned the 132/33 KVA transmission substation located in the community.

At the commissioning, President Jonathan praised the efforts of the local contractor, noting that government is committed to encouraging local contractors.

He disclosed that from the next fiscal year, the Federal Government would set aside a percentage of contracts dedicated to local contractors. "This is the only way we can improve capacity and grow our economy," he said.

Meanwhile, Ima Niboro, the president’s spokesman in a statement said: "The president today returned from both Zamfara and Sokoto states inspite of the bomb threats by "MEND".

"But these threats bring to focus the president's position that no one must hide underneath MEND to perpetrate evil. This even more so since the MEND known to Nigerians has willingly renounced violence.

"So which MEND was this? The Zamfara variant? This nonsense must stop, and this is precisely the president's position," Niboro added.