Daud Olatunji
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has pledged that Islamic leaders will engage political authorities to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians and press for measures to improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The Sultan said religious leaders were aware of public concerns over the rising cost of living and would continue to draw the attention of those in government to the difficulties confronting Nigerians.
He spoke at the grand finale of the centenary celebration of Az-Zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyyah School of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend.
“As leaders of Islam, we are always aware of all the issues people are raising in the public domain. We will do our best and bring attention to the leaders on what they should do for the common man on the street,” the monarch said.
His remarks come amid persistent concerns over rising food prices, transportation fares and petrol costs, which have continued to put pressure on household incomes and the ability of many Nigerians to meet basic needs.
The Sultan’s position also follows a recent call by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which he heads, urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to reduce the cost of food and transportation.
In a communiqué issued after its General Assembly in Abuja on October 8, the council called for accelerated interventions to ease the economic burden on citizens.
The Federal Government, however, has maintained that it is exploring measures to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices on households and businesses without reinstating the petrol subsidy removed in 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, had announced a 30-day petrol price relief arrangement at NNPC Retail stations. The government said the intervention would be funded from NNPC Retail’s margin rather than public funds.
Despite the economic challenges, the Sultan expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its difficulties, urging citizens not to lose hope.
“We know the problems in this country, and we know that there is no problem without a solution,” he said, attributing his confidence to his belief that every challenge has a solution from Allah.
He urged Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu, state governors, local government chairmen and other political leaders, saying prayers would help them make decisions capable of improving the lives of citizens.
The monarch also called on Muslims to uphold good character, promote tolerance and maintain peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths
According to him, genuine religious commitment must be reflected in how people treat their neighbours, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
“You cannot be a good Muslim if you don’t love your neighbour. You have to love whoever Allah brought to you as your neighbour,” he said.
The Sultan further warned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited as political thugs, bandits or terrorists for the interests of individuals seeking political or financial gains.
He urged young Nigerians to resist exploitation and avoid activities capable of threatening peace and security in the country.
Turning to the purpose of the gathering, the monarch said the centenary celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s contributions to education, religious scholarship and moral development over the past 100 years.
He commended the school’s leadership and expressed his willingness to explore ways of supporting its growth through engagement with government and other relevant stakeholders.
The institution was founded by the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamaldeen Al-Adabiyy, who served as the first Mufti of Ilorin.
Recalling his personal connection with the ancient city, the Sultan described Ilorin as his home and disclosed that his first visit to the city was more than 42 years ago, when he served as a soldier at Sobi Barracks.
He expressed delight at returning for the centenary celebration and prayed for the continued growth of the institution and its contribution to the education of future generations.
Dignitaries at the event included the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; and former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who is the Baba Adini of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria.
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