British High Commissioner, Sultan of Sokoto hold talks on Niger Republic crisis

Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, engaged in discussions with His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, concerning the potential for a mediated resolution to the Niger Republic issue. This dialogue took place during Dr. Montgomery’s visit to Sokoto State on October 25 and 26, as reported by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, the Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the British High Commission.

During the visit, Dr. Montgomery expressed his appreciation for the Sultan’s significant role in fostering peace among people of diverse faiths in Nigeria. He acknowledged the Sultan’s positions as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the co-chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), emphasizing the importance of inter-faith dialogue and national peace initiatives in Nigeria.

The discussions between Dr. Montgomery and the Sultan also centered around the situation in Niger Republic and the potential for a mediated resolution. At the conclusion of his visit, Dr. Montgomery expressed his gratitude for the warm reception by His Eminence the Sultan in Sokoto and highlighted the deep historical ties between the UK and Sokoto. They also explored various topics, including traditional leadership, social progress, inter-faith dialogue, national peace initiatives, and regional mediation.

Dr. Montgomery’s visit also served as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Sokoto State’s historical significance within Nigeria. He visited the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau, where he explored the remarkable archives of the Sokoto Caliphate, offering valuable insights to historians.

In addition, Dr. Montgomery engaged in productive discussions with representatives from civil society, academia, and traditional leadership. These discussions covered a range of critical issues, including gender equality, security concerns, and economic matters. Furthermore, in anticipation of Remembrance Day, Dr. Montgomery paid his respects at the graves of 12 soldiers, both British and Nigerian, who had made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War.