Tinubu Meets Sultan of Sokoto at State House

Tinubu Meets Sultan of Sokoto at State House

In a significant move underscoring the importance of religious and traditional leadership in national discourse, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, at the State House in Abuja on Friday.

The meeting, held in the President’s first-floor office, was part of a broader consultation initiative aimed at addressing pressing national concerns, particularly those related to religious harmony and human rights.

The timing of the meeting was notable, coming in the wake of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently described Nigeria as a country plagued by religious persecution and human rights abuses.

In response to these claims and in a bid to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and inclusive governance, President Tinubu has embarked on a series of engagements with key religious figures.

Accompanying the Sultan was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, highlighting the gravity and political significance of the encounter. 

This meeting followed an earlier engagement between President Tinubu and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, signaling a deliberate effort to foster interfaith dialogue and national unity.

The discussions between Tinubu and the Sultan were described as “crucial,” reflecting the administration’s resolve to involve traditional and religious leaders in shaping policy responses to international criticisms and domestic challenges.

While the specific outcomes of the meeting were not disclosed, the symbolism of the gathering reinforces the role of the Sultan as a bridge between government and the Muslim community, and as a custodian of peace and cultural heritage in Nigeria.

This strategic outreach by President Tinubu is part of a broader diplomatic and internal campaign to reaffirm Nigeria’s stance on religious freedom, counter negative international narratives, and strengthen the social fabric through inclusive leadership.