The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has urged Nigerians to refrain from harshly criticizing their leaders, emphasizing the importance of leaving their judgment to God. He reminded the public that both good and bad situations are temporary, and the key to navigating challenges is through prayer and patience.
The Sultan emphasized that leaders will be held accountable by the Almighty on the Day of Resurrection, and no one will be able to defend them before God. He also cautioned religious leaders against misleading their followers for personal gain, stressing that only God holds the power to save.
These comments were made during the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, hosted by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in partnership with International Alert.
“Do your best in worshiping Allah (God), and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who lead you astray,” the Sultan stated. “While many people may feel that things have never been this bad, remember that nothing lasts forever—both hardship and ease will eventually pass. Let us intensify our prayers for our country and its leaders, and leave their fate in Allah’s hands.”
The Sultan also stressed the importance of fearing Allah in all actions and praying for the country’s leaders. He reminded the gathering that, on the Day of Judgment, individuals will face their Creator alone, without the support of advisors or officials.
“With unity, we can overcome the challenges we face, including climate change, poverty, and insecurity. The North has historically been known for its peace and progress, and if we remain united, we can restore that strength,” he said.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Most Reverend Dr. D.C. Okoh, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing climate change as a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action. He highlighted the need to address underlying issues such as poverty and inequality, and the importance of educating the public on environmental stewardship.
Governor Uba Sani also spoke on the efforts being made by the Kaduna State Government to mitigate the effects of climate change. He outlined the state’s new policy on climate change, which includes strategies for sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity preservation.
Both religious leaders and the governor called for unity, integrity, and a renewed commitment to addressing the environmental challenges facing the region.
