The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria has commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III for his commitment to the peaceful existence of adherents of all religions in Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit to the Sultan at his Palace in Sokoto, Archbishop Antonio Guido Fillipazi praised the Sultan for his collaboration with the Catholic Church in Sokoto and Nigeria generally; as such collaboration has helped to a large extent in ensuring understanding among Nigerians.
The Nuncio believes that the Sultan is highly regarded as an outspoken person who works for peace and development of the people, hence his cooperation with the Catholic Church whose mission is the love, peace, and development of the people.
Responding, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar said he is ever willing to work with the Catholic Church for the sustenance of peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians of the different faiths. The interface between the Catholic Community in Sokoto and the Sultanate is helping to bridge the gap between believers of both faiths in the State.
He praised Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto for his understanding, maturity, and knowledge in collaborating with the Sultanate to enhance cordial relations among the state community.
The Sultan said continuing dialogue is the way to go in all matters requiring understanding and harmony.The Apostolic Nuncio’s visit to the Sultan was part of his visit to Sokoto to participate in the weeklong 2018 Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria that ended in Sokoto last week.
