The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has cautioned Nigerian politicians against interfering with sultanate institutions. The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, issued this warning in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Othman-Ngelzarma emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving the Sultanate, an institution with over two centuries of history. He argued that politicians should focus on promoting good governance rather than meddling with such revered institutions.
He criticized the perceived threats to diminish the authority of the Sultan, who is a significant Islamic figure in Nigeria. "We believe protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right-thinking individual in the country," Othman-Ngelzarma stated.
He urged the Sokoto State Government and its legislature to handle the matter delicately and ensure the Sultanate's preservation. MACBAN expressed concern over media reports suggesting that the Sokoto Government plans to reduce the powers of the Sultan, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III.
MACBAN firmly supports the Sultan, recognizing his efforts to uphold justice and equity. Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted the Sultan's dedication to promoting religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria and praised his background as a military man, his commitment to truth, and his advocacy for the poor and underprivileged.
"This is evident in his efforts in propagating religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups," he added. "His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth, and his standing for the poor and underprivileged in spite of being an aristocrat make him a model for leaders to emulate."