The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to offer prayers for their leaders, stressing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude toward leadership, even during difficult times. He made this appeal while speaking at an event held at the University of Ilorin, where he urged Nigerians to pray rather than curse or criticise those in power.
The Sultan’s comments come at a time when the country faces numerous challenges, including economic difficulties, insecurity, and political tension. Despite these issues, the Sultan emphasized that prayers and support for leaders could bring about much-needed change and progress.
In his address, the Sultan highlighted the power of prayer and its potential to transform even the most difficult situations. He stressed that condemning leaders or expressing negative sentiments does not help, urging Nigerians to instead place their faith in the Almighty to guide their leaders towards better decision-making.
“Even if a leader is bad, pray for him. Almighty Allah can make him turn a new leaf and become a better person,” the Sultan stated during his speech.
He further explained that, while criticism is a natural reaction to poor leadership, it should not be the first approach. Instead, Nigerians should have patience and offer their leaders the support and prayers they need to serve the country effectively.
The Sultan’s message comes at a time when Nigeria is experiencing political and economic uncertainties. Many citizens have expressed frustrations over the rising cost of living, growing unemployment rates, and security concerns. The Sultan’s remarks serve as a reminder that unity and collective effort are necessary to overcome these challenges.
He called on Nigerians to refrain from engaging in divisive rhetoric, particularly when it comes to the country’s leadership. According to the Sultan, prayers and unity can have a far greater impact than constant negativity.
“Leaders, just like any human being, are not perfect. They are bound to make mistakes, but it is our duty as citizens to pray for them to lead us better,” he added.
The Sultan also addressed the role of leaders in fostering a positive relationship with their people. He noted that while citizens should pray for their leaders, it is equally important for those in power to be receptive to the needs of their people.
“Leadership is a responsibility, and it comes with challenges. But our leaders must also listen to the voices of the people and take action that benefits the nation,” the Sultan remarked.
His message is clear: leaders and citizens must work together for the common good of the country. Prayers, unity, and cooperation are essential in achieving peace and prosperity in Nigeria.
The event, which took place at the University of Ilorin, was attended by several prominent figures, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Secretary-General of KU8+, Professor Francisca Oladipo.
Prince Fagbemi, who chaired the event, echoed the Sultan’s sentiments, urging Nigerians to focus on encouraging and supporting their leaders. He emphasized that constant criticism without constructive feedback only serves to demoralize those in power.
“We have a duty to remind our leaders of their responsibilities, but it should be done in a way that fosters positive change, not just for the sake of criticism,” Fagbemi stated.
Fagbemi’s remarks reflect the broader sentiment that the Sultan expressed: Nigerians need to engage with their leaders in a way that promotes dialogue, cooperation, and, ultimately, the betterment of the country.
Nigeria is currently facing numerous challenges that have placed a strain on the country’s leadership. These issues include economic instability, insecurity, and a fragile political climate. The removal of fuel subsidies earlier this year and the subsequent rise in petrol prices have exacerbated the already difficult economic situation for many Nigerians. In addition, the country is grappling with insecurity in different regions, including ongoing clashes with insurgents in the North-East and banditry in other parts of the country.
These challenges have led to widespread discontent, with many citizens feeling that their leaders are not doing enough to address the issues. Public outcry has been frequent, particularly on social media, where citizens express their frustrations with government policies and the state of the nation.