The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and political leaders across Nigeria to listen to the cries of citizens and respond with empathy rather than repression.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, August 13, during the launch of the NASFAT history book to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, the revered monarch warned against silencing public grievances with force.
“Whatever problems you are having, whatever cries you are hearing, don’t carry koboko and wipe people,” the Sultan said. “Carry some soft hands and touch somebody and say, ‘Look, things will be okay.’”
Call for Justice Over Injustice
Abubakar stressed that leaders at all levels—federal, state, and local—must prioritise justice and fairness over policies and actions that deepen inequality. His remarks come amid mounting economic hardship triggered by recent government reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have driven up the cost of basic goods.
He urged the political class to treat Nigerians with the compassion of “a father to his children” rather than subjecting them to intimidation when they voice their frustrations.
Education, Prayer, and National Unity
The Sultan also expressed concern over the declining quality of education among Nigerian youths, warning that the country’s long-term stability depends on equipping the next generation with knowledge and skills.
Calling for national unity, he urged citizens to pray for their leaders instead of cursing them, arguing that positive intentions could encourage better governance.
“From Mr. President, to all the governors, to all the local government chairmen, 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 and he does good things, you will enjoy,” he said.
The Sultan’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices urging government to pair economic reforms with robust social protection, to ensure that the burden of change does not fall disproportionately on the poor.
