The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, have had discussions on the prospects of a mediated resolution of the Niger Republic impasse.
According to Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the British High Commission, Montgomery visited Sokoto State on October 25 and 26, during which he acknowledged the Sultan’s role in promoting peace between people of different faiths in Nigeria, including through his positions as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and co-chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
They also discussed the situation in Niger Republic and the prospects for a mediated resolution.
According to the statement, the British High Commissioner, at the end of his visit, said: “It was an honour to be received by His Eminence the Sultan in Sokoto. We reflected on the deep and historical ties between the UK and Sokoto, including the links between the Sultanate and the British Royal Family. We had an insightful discussion on traditional leadership and social progress; inter-faith dialogue; national peace initiatives; and regional mediation.
“My visit was also an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the state’s contribution to the history of Nigeria, including by seeing the remarkable archives of the Sokoto Caliphate at the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau, a real treasure trove for historians.
“I had an engaging discussion with representatives of civil society, academia, and traditional leaders, who shared their insights on issues including gender equality, insecurity, and the economy.
“Ahead of Remembrance Day, it was important to pay my respects at the graves of 12 soldiers, British and Nigerian, who gave their lives in the Second World War.”
