The Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, has called for a deeper political, cultural, and socio-economic alliance between Northern Nigeria and the South-South geopolitical zone.
The monarch made the call on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a high-profile courtesy visit to the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, in Sokoto.
Speaking during the audience at the Sultan’s palace in Sokoto, Alhaji Dokubo-Asari emphasized the historical interdependencies between the northern region and the oil-rich Niger Delta.
He urged leaders from both zones to forge stronger collaborative channels to promote national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and mutual economic advancement ahead of future national engagements.
”There is an imperative need to build bridges of trust, mutual understanding, and shared purpose between the North and the South-South,” Dokubo-Asari stated. “Historically, our regions have shared strong ties that contributed to the stability of Nigeria, and deepening these bonds today will ensure peace and sustainable development for our people.”
In his response, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, welcomed the traditional ruler and commended his efforts toward national unity and inter-regional harmony.
The Sultan emphasized that leadership is a divine responsibility entrusted by Almighty Allah to foster justice, bridge divides, and serve the people selflessly. Assuring the visiting monarch of his continued support and solidarity, the Sokoto monarch expressed his commitment to maintaining ties between the Caliphate and the ancestral thrones of the Niger Delta.
”Leadership is a responsibility entrusted by Almighty Allah,” the Sultan noted. “By the grace of Almighty Allah, I will continue to support initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence across all regions of our country.”
The Sultan also accepted an invitation from the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari to attend upcoming traditional ceremonies in Rivers State, signaling an extension of royal goodwill beyond regional boundaries.
The bilateral meeting in Sokoto featured key traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and community spokespersons from both regions:
Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari; The Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari (Torusaramapiri), Rivers State. His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III – The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
Delegation leaders and palace aides representing the Elem Kalabari Traditional Council and the Sokoto Emirate Council.
The engagement highlights ongoing efforts by traditional institutions across Nigeria to build strategic inter-regional alliances aimed at reinforcing stability, unity, and shared prosperity.
