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Show Nigerians empathy, Sultan tells FG, govs

Published

4 months ago

August 14, 2025

President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III

Show Nigerians empathy, Sultan tells FG, govs

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged President Bola Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and other political leaders to listen to the cries of Nigerians and respond with empathy.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the NASFAT History Book Launch to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, the Sultan cautioned against silencing citizens who express frustration over the nation’s challenges.

“Instead of beating Nigerians with koboko when they air their views or cry about the situation in the country, they should be reassured that things will be fine,” he said.

He further appealed to leaders at all levels to make justice a priority in governance, stressing that the entrenchment of injustice only deepens societal problems.

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.

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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.

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“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.”

Show Nigerians empathy, Sultan tells FG, govs

(DailyTrust)

Related Topics:Featured FG govs Nigerians Sultan

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.