From left: His Eminence The Sultan Of Sokoto, Chief Imam and the Governor of Sokoto State during the visit
The
National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, was the host of the Governor
of Sokoto State of Nigeria, Aminu Wazir Tambuwal, in the state capital.
The Chief
Imam was in the Nigerian state at the invitation of both the Governor and the
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar to witness the wedding of the
latter’s daughter, as a special guest of honour.
The Chief
Imam’s spokesperson, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu told DAILY GUIDE in a telephone
chat from Sokoto that “the cleric was accorded a high level courtesy by the
state governor. The guest and the host held a joint prayer upon arrival. A
historical tourist trip took us to the graveside of the legendary Othman Dan
Fodio. We also prayed at the mosque of Dan Fodio.”
The
spokesperson said he was impressed with the outstanding simplicity of the
practice of Islam by the people of Sokoto adding, “Besides the brevity of the
Friday congregational prayer sermon, all remained seated after the prayer. A
selected elder in the congregation was chosen to say a prayer during the
session, something I find impressive.”
The visit
above all, he said “rejuvenated the historical ties between the people of
Sokoto and their Ghanaian counterparts.”
In
pre-colonial times and during colonialism thriving caravan trade link existed
between the people of Sokoto and Salaga in the Northern Region and before that
Kete Krachi.
The
National Chief Imam exchanged pleasantries with important dignitaries such as
the Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Muhammad Sanusi Lamido II, The Chief Justice of Nigeria, the IGP of Nigeria and
other emirs from the northern part of the federation.
Sheikh
Osman Sharubutu was given the rare opportunity to close the socio-religious
activity with special prayers for the Sultan of Sokoto and the federal Republic
of Nigeria.
The Sultan
is the President-General of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islam
(NSCIA).
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia was said to have played an important role by directing the Ghanaian mission in Abuja to render the Chief Imam and his entourage with the necessary diplomatic support.
By A.R. Gomda
