Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has said truth and dialogue remain the only solution to the crises bedeviling the country.
He said Nigeria would begin to enjoy peace only when Nigerians are ready to tell one another the truth and nothing more.
Quoting from the Holy Book which says “only the truth can set you free,” the Sultan, however, expressed the hope that the country will, one day, overcome its challenges.
He made the remarks at a book presentation titled “How a congress of baboons made a General” in honour of former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd).
The book was written by Rebecca Agwai, one of Gen. Agwai’s daughters.
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He said: “It is important for us to look back at history. We must look at who we were so many years ago and who we are now, and what we want to be in future.
“We know we have problems, but, I’m sure Nigeria will overcome its insecurity problems. Let us not give up; there is hope; there are good people still struggling to put things together to bring us together in a forum such as this.
“Let’s continue talking to ourselves. We should never get tired of dialogue, because as we all know, the truth shall set us free.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, described Gen. Agwai as a patriotic Nigerian who ensured peace and integrity of the country, during his career as a military officer.
He commended the author of the book, which he described as the best birthday present for her 70-year-old father.
The book reviewer, Richard Umar, who is also a member of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, said the book has four parts, beginning from the childhood days of Gen. Agwai’s and the influences that shaped his early development.
Speaking on the security challenges in the country, Agwai called on Nigerians to develop a new vision for the country and learn to forgive one another for the country to move forward.
He said: “We must agree we have insecurity challenge and must put heads together to solve the problem, to ensure peace and development.”