The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest and other key stakeholders to put aside their differences and engage in urgent dialogue.
In a statement released on Thursday by Prof. Khalid Aliyu, Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Sultan emphasized the critical need for this dialogue.
Abubakar expressed concerns that the protests could escalate into an uncontrollable situation, citing reports indicating this trend.
He stated, “In the name of Allah, the Most High, we call for an end to the escalating unrest disguised as protest. We must recognize that a stable Nigeria is essential before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians.”
With Friday approaching, he urged Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders to promote peace and remind the community of the importance of maintaining order, which could even affect the ability to hold congregational prayers.
Quoting Qur’anic guidance, the Sultan referenced Qur’an 6:43, “When the suffering reached them from us, why then did they not learn humility?”
He advised that sincere humility, sober reflection, and continued prayer to Allah, the Ever Merciful, are the solutions to the current crisis. The Sultan also cited the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said, “Supplication is the weapon of the believer and the light of the heavens and the earth.”
He urged all Nigerians to be in continued prayers for Allah’s apt intervention.
He also called on all Imams to commence sustained supplications and/or prayers at the moment of grief through special prayers.
“This call has become imperative, bearing in mind that the protest is getting out of hand, and the consequence of which may be too heavy on the West-African sub-region.
“A clarion call is therefore made to all leaders and the Nigerian citizens to fear Allah, for it is through such a spiritual medium that Allah’s intervention descends with full assurance from Him, the Ever Merciful.
“Muslims are as well urged to be introspective and should embrace more Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), through glorification of Allah, Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness) and ceaseless Du’a (prayers and invocations), for ease and relief in these trying moments,” he added.
The Sultan also implored President Bola Tinubu to address the nation, by assuring all Nigerians that peace, security, stability, relief to hardship and food security would be achieved under his stewardship.
He also urged state governors to calm nerves, saying that silence was no longer golden at this moment of anxiety.
“In this time of challenge, we pray for guidance, protection, good health, and peace for all leaders and for tranquillity to prevail in Nigeria.
“May Allah, the Most High, also provide the quickest relief to all problems bedevilling the Nigerian state. Aamin,” he added.