The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday urged President Bola Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and other political leaders to heed the cries of Nigerians.
He cautioned that rather than “beating Nigerians with koboko” when they express concerns or grievances about the state of the nation, leaders should respond with empathy and reassure citizens that things will improve.
Speaking in Abuja during the launch of the NASFAT History Book to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, the Sultan also stressed the need for justice to take precedence over injustice in governance.
His remarks come amid growing hardship in the country, with rising costs of basic goods linked to subsidy removal, the floating of the naira, and other economic policies.
The revered religious leader also lamented the poor state of education among Nigerian youths and urged citizens to 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.