The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has issued a stern appeal to Nigerian leaders, urging them to refrain from using force or repression—symbolised by the koboko (horsewhip)—against citizens who express legitimate concerns over the country’s growing hardship.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the launch of the NASFAT History Book to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, the Sultan urged President Bola Tinubu, governors, and political office holders to respond to the cries of the people with compassion rather than punishment.
“I call on our leaders to look at all of us with that sympathy of father and child. Whatever problems you are having, whatever cries you are hearing, don’t carry koboko and wipe people. Carry some soft hands and touch somebody and say look, things will be okay,” the Sultan said.
His comments come against the backdrop of deepening economic difficulties in Nigeria, following policy shifts such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—developments that have triggered a spike in the cost of living.
The Sultan stressed that in times of distress, leaders must offer reassurance and justice, not oppression. He warned that Nigeria cannot survive injustice, no matter its strength or resources.
“Justice is the foundation of any society. As Sheikh Abdulrauf said, a nation can endure with unbelief, but it cannot endure with injustice. So let’s face justice in whatever we do,” he stated.
He also called for introspection among both leaders and citizens, urging honesty, sincerity, and a return to moral and spiritual values.
“Our leaders, our followers, all need to be just in whatever we do. And I believe, conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it. Conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it.
“Let’s tell ourselves the whole truth in whatever we do, how we do things. And let’s believe in almighty Allah as the owner of heaven and earth, as owner of everything and all of us, who brought us into this world to worship him,” he added.
The Sultan advised Nigerians to support their leaders through prayers rather than condemnation, asserting that the success or failure of leadership affects all.
“Let’s pray for our leaders every time. From Mr. President, to all the governors, to all the local men chairman, to all our leaders at all levels. We need to pray for our leaders to do right, to do just. If you pray for your leader, he does good things, you enjoy.
“If you are lying to his whims and caprices, he does bad things, you will suffer. So let’s all just pray for our leaders,” he said.
Reinforcing the need for resilience, the Sultan concluded with a message of hope and faith, urging Nigerians to trust in divine providence even in difficult times.
“People say yes, times are tough, yes. But when times are tough, tough people overcome such tough times. Let’s believe whatever almighty Allah bless on us is his own will, his own wish, and we will overcome this.
“And I believe 100% almighty Allah will bring ease to all of us in this great country and beyond. Let’s go back to him and him alone. Only him can give. Only him takes.”
