The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on President Bola Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and political leaders across the country to show empathy and justice in addressing the challenges facing Nigerians, Daily Trust reports.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of the NASFAT History Book to mark the 30th anniversary of the organisation, the Sultan urged leaders to listen to the cries of the people instead of responding with harshness.
“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,” he said.
The revered monarch stressed that justice must be the foundation of governance, warning that no nation can survive on injustice.
“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. 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.
“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,” the Sultan said.
He urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders rather than curse them, noting that good leadership benefits everyone.
“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.
“I want to say this, every time I have an opportunity like this, I want to say please pray for our leaders, for good health, for direction, and for that steadfastness of knowing that you as a leader, you will account for whatever you have done on earth to the almighty Allah,” he added.
The Sultan also called on Nigerians to remain resilient despite the current economic hardship.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, the President of NASFAT, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf, hailed the Sultan and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, for attending the ceremony in person.
He described the newly launched history book as a testament to the organisation’s growth from a small prayer group in Lagos to a global faith-based body with over 360 branches worldwide.
“It is a written reflection of our journey from humble prayer group meetings in Lagos, to a global faith-based organization impacting lives across continents. NASFAT symbolizes positive impact of a faith-based organization helping the society in promoting social welfare, education, healthcare, and moral.
“This book is a valuable resource for understanding of our past and a tool for inspiring future generations. As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary this year, this publication is a gift to posterity,” Abdulrauf said.
