Sultan Warms Religious Leaders to Avoid Misleading Followers for Personal Gains

The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on religious leaders to refrain from misleading their followers for personal gain and to commit themselves to the genuine teachings of their faith. He emphasized that spiritual leaders bear a responsibility to foster a morally upright society.

The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), delivered his remarks at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, held in Kaduna. The conference was organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert.

Addressing religious leaders, he said, “I advise you to avoid misleading followers for personal gain. Many worshippers in mosques and churches regard their leaders as spiritual guides, placing profound trust in them. Devote yourself to worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. We face numerous challenges in this country, but by returning to God and intensifying prayers, we can restore hope. Difficulties are temporary; nothing lasts forever. Let us pray for our leaders instead of condemning them, trusting that God, who is all-knowing, will address all issues.”

The Sultan also urged Nigerians to avoid disparaging their leaders and instead place them in God’s hands for judgment. He reminded leaders that on the Day of Judgment, they would face God alone to account for their actions, saying, “Each of us will stand alone before God, without any deputy or adviser. Let us hold ourselves accountable and work towards a better country through faith and resilience.”

Reflecting on the challenges facing Northern Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar identified climate change, poverty, and insecurity as significant threats to the region’s stability and growth. He warned that external forces are seeking to sow division in the North, given its historical influence, and called on northerners to remain united.

Echoing the Sultan’s call, Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), acknowledged the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from climate change in the North. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and a lack of public awareness on climate impacts and environmental stewardship.

Reverend Okoh joined the Sultan in urging leaders to maintain honesty and integrity, noting, “Nigeria’s future depends on prayer and seeking divine guidance.”

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, also spoke at the event, urging northern states, religious leaders, and agencies to collaborate in addressing climate-induced conflicts and fostering peace across the region. Governor Sani highlighted the risks posed by climate change to Northern Nigeria, particularly the strain on resources affecting agrarian and pastoral communities.

He detailed the realities of rising temperatures, desertification, and deforestation, which are intensifying poverty and displacing communities. To tackle these challenges, Governor Sani proposed sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and peacebuilding efforts rooted in dialogue and cooperation.

The conference underscored the shared responsibility of religious leaders, government, and communities in mitigating conflicts and building a more resilient and united Northern Nigeria amidst the growing challenges posed by climate change.