By Ankeli Emmanuel (Correspondent, Sokoto)
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar 111, has said Nigeria is neither an Islamic State nor a Christian State, hence the need for all to understand our pluralism and respect one another.
Sultan who noted that the country is not also a Judaism religion further called on all Nigerians to hold unto their religion very well as they will be held accountable at the end of the day during judgment by Almighty God.
While admonishing Nigerians to allow everybody practice their religion as guaranteed by the Constitution anywhere in Nigeria, the Sultan appealed that the issue of hijab should not be an issue anywhere.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the Sokoto State Remodeled High Court Complex, Sultan noted that justice is the foundation of any society, hence the need for judiciary officials to be fair to all.
The Sultan further lamented that corruption is the most terrible challenge in Nigeria, adding however that its accomplices include banditry, armed robbery, rustling, kidnapping and other forms of crimes.
Speaking before commissioning the multi-million naira remodeled High Court Complex in Sokoto, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said independence of the judiciary is boosted with sound welfare, hence the propensity to deliver more when people's morals are improved upon.
Malami who noted that the judiciary forms great catalysts to our modern-day democracy confirmed that governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has indeed exhibited quality leadership in Sokoto State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammed Saidu Sifawa, said the renovation of the 45 years old High Court Complex is second to none in Nigeria of today.
"Tambuwal has shown uncommon support and concern to the welfare of judicial workers. This is in addition to his approval of the payment of retirement benefits to all retired judicial workers from 1999 till date".
Chairperson of the Chief Judges of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Tanko, represented by Justice Amina Adamu Augie, said, she was shocked by the project
Justice Tanko said he is delighted to be in Sokoto to witness the commissioning of the edifice, adding also that separation of power is the most distinctive basis for participatory democracy.
He further disclosed that the Judiciary council will be awarding Tambuwal a pass mark for an excellent job done.
"At every stage of your life, plant that seed of excellence because you never can tell where you will be tomorrow"
While commending Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his commitment to the welfare of judicial workers, Justice Tanko appealed to the federal government to consider upward review of the remuneration of Judges and Justices.
Attorney General and Sokoto State Commissioner for Justice, Suleiman Usman (SAN), said Justice is the cornerstone of human existence hence very fundamental to stopping oppression and guarantee an egalitarian society.
Tambuwal on his part, said truly the Court building was established in 1976 and since then, has not received any serious renovation or remodeling.
Those present in the event include, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, Chief Justices of Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Bauchi States, as well as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar 111. NNL.
