Sokoto – The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saád Abubakar III, has identified  social justice and the fear of God  as essential ingredients  for peace and progress in the country.

Abubakar spoke on Saturday in Sokoto when he received members of an internet-based NGO, Dandalin Siyasa On line Forum.

“ We should ensure these virtues in whatever we do in Nigeria and this is the only way we can develop,” Abubakar said.

He said religious, political and ethnic affiliations should not constitute barriers among Nigerians in their interaction.

The traditional ruler said  interaction among Nigerians  must be based on mutual respect rather than suspicion.

Abubakar also said that all reputable  organisations operating  in the country  should be guided by  lofty ideals capable of  promoting development.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Hashimu Ubale, had  told the Sultan that the members were  in Sokoto for their 3^rd annual anniversary.

“ We are at the palace to seek your fatherly counsel and blessings. The forum is a voluntary, non political and non economic one.

“ It is a gathering of  people of like minds aimed at improving the  political landscape in the country. We have membership drawn from Nigeria and abroad,’’ he said. (NAN)