The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has urged Nigerians to refrain from criticizing their leaders and instead trust God to handle them as He sees fit.
Emphasizing the temporary nature of all things, he encouraged continuous prayer for both the country and its leaders.
He reminded leaders that they would be held accountable before God on the Day of Resurrection, with no one to defend them in His presence.
The Sultan also cautioned religious leaders against misleading their followers for personal gain, noting that most followers place deep trust in their guidance. “Only God can save any human being,” he stated.
His remarks were made during a Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert.
“Focus on worshiping Allah (God) and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray. Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches,” he added, acknowledging the presence of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President.
The Sultan expressed optimism, saying, “Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way.”
Reflecting on leadership accountability, he stated, “On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God, and keep praying for our country’s prosperity.”
He noted that the North faces issues like climate change, poverty, and insecurity, but highlighted the region’s legacy of unity and resilience. He called for unity, stating, “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community. Divisive narratives exist, but we must reject them and remain strong.”
