The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday, called on the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government, all the 36 State governors, and other political leaders in the country to listen to the cries of Nigerians.
Sultan specifically said instead of beating Nigerians with “koboko” when they air their views or cry about the situation in the country, they should be looked at with empathy and reassured that things would be fine.
Alh. Muhammadu, who spoke in Abuja, during NASFAT History Book Launching to mark 30th anniversary of the organisation, also called on the leaders to make justice a priority rather than entrenching injustice.
Daily Trust reports that Sultan’s remark came on the heels of growing standard of living in the country, with many Nigerians decrying current inflation of basic needs occasioned by subsidy removal, floating of Naira, among other policies.
Speaking at the event, the prominent religious leader bemoaned lack of quality education among youths in the country, while calling on Nigerians to always pray for their leaders instead of cursing them.
“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.
He also stressed that Nigeria cannot endure injustice if it is to survive, and that leaders at all levels must prioritise justice and fairness in all their dealings, while urging Nigerians to turn to God.
Sultan added, “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. 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.
“So, keep on doing the good work, and leave the rest to almighty Allah to bless all of us, as Muslims, as non-Muslims in this great country. 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. 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.
“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.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of NASFAT, Alh. Ayodeji Abdulrauf, commended Sultan, and the Comptroller-General of Nigerians Customs Services, Adewale Adeniyi, for taking time, out of their busy schedule to attend the programme in person.
Alh. Abdulrauf said the book was more than just pages bound together, adding that it was a living testimony to the vision, sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering faith of those who laid the foundation of NASFAT 30 years ago (5th March, 1995).
He added, “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. It tells our story with candour and clarity how young Muslim professionals, inspired by the need for spiritual connection and community building, came together to create a movement that would redefine Islamic propagation in Nigeria and beyond with over 360 locations across the globe.”
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