The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry arrived in Nigeria today and he heads to pay a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV at his palace. Mr. Kerry was accompanied by the state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
While in Sokoto, the US Secretary State delivered a speech on Resilient Communities and Religious Tolerance in Countering Violent Extremism. He said extremists do not only kill people but also turn the most vulnerable among the society into killers.
Mr. Kerry said terrorism can be eliminated if the society put hands together. He admonishes the religious leaders in the north, tertiary and secondary schools students to do more than just denouncing Boko Haram, that they must act right from the grassroots level.
US Secretary of State, John Kerry addressing gathering at the Sultan’s Palace In Sokoto
“We also know that beating Boko Haram on the battlefield is only the beginning of what we must do. “Building public trust in government also requires cooperation from the military and law enforcement. Extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear”, he said
Kerry also denounced corruption, electoral fraud and repression while stressing on the education of women and empowering societies to be more democratic. “Fear instilled through repression invites not confidence but contempt. It creates terrorists – trust creates citizens,” he said.
“It is essential to rebuild trust in the government … It is understandable in the wake of militant activity to crack down on everyone and anyone … I caution against that today,” he added. The U.S. Secretary of State appealed for ethnic and religious mutual understanding as well as humanitarian support for the displaced.
The Sultan who is also the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria was lauded by Kerry for promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar had expressed delight at the visit and promised to continue mobilizing Nigerians to tolerate one another for peace, progress and political stability of the country.
Sokoto Governor, Aminu Tambuwal said the state government would continue to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of religious, tribal and political differences.
Other dignitaries at the US Secretary of State visit to Sokoto include; Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, Deputy National Chairman of APC North West.
John Kerry is expected to meet President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja later.
