Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has described the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, as a true statesman and a man of peace whose fatherly and unifying character has been of immense benefit to the country.

Dr Bawumia said this in a Facebook post to celebrate the 98th birthday of the Chief Imam on Sunday 23 April.

“On the joyous occasion of your 98th birthday, my father, Your Eminence Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam of the Republic, may the Almighty Allah continue to bless you and grant you good health so the nation will continue to benefit from your immense wisdom and advice,” Dr Bawumia wrote.

“Your Eminence, you are a true statesman and a man of peace whose fatherly and unifying character has been of immense benefit not only to individuals, households and communities, but the entire nation.”

Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu is an Islamic cleric and a member of the National Peace Council who has received several awards for the role he plays in ensuring peaceful co-existence between Muslims, Christians, and other religious bodies as well as political groups in the country.