THE Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has expressed reverence and support for the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

This was contained in a statement bordering on the alleged move by the Sokoto State government against the traditional ruler and leader of Nigerian Muslims.

In the statement signed by the President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, MUSWEN, which is the umbrella body for all Muslims in the South West, said: “We, Yoruba Muslims, hold Sultan Abubakar in the highest esteem. He has been a bridge-builder, successfully unifying the 150 million Nigerian Muslims from different cultural backgrounds

“Beyond unifying Muslims in Nigeria, Sultan Abubakar also enjoys the friendship and honour of Christians, establishing unprecedented rapport with the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria.

“Since his ascension to the throne as the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the nation has recorded over 90 per cent reduction in interreligious conflicts.

“For these reasons and more, Sultan Abubakar has earned the love of all as a proponent and actualiser of harmonious and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of all tribes and faiths.

“If there are differences between Sokoto State government and the office of the Sultan, such differences should be amicably resolved, rather than bringing the person of our revered national leader, His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, into disrepute.

“We still believe the alleged plot is a mere rumour. If it is true, however, we hereby express unequivocally our unflinching reverence and absolute support for our leader.

“Yoruba Muslims absolutely queue and stand solidly behind our revered leader, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.”