Krestnews.com reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has urged Nigerians to refrain from disparaging their leaders, instead entrusting them to God’s judgment through prayers.
The Sultan was speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, held on Monday in Kaduna, organised by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in partnership with International Alert.
He stressed that nothing, whether good or bad, endures forever and encouraged citizens to consistently pray for the nation’s welfare and its leaders.
Addressing leaders, the Sultan reminded them of their accountability to God on the Day of Judgment, where they will face scrutiny for their actions without anyone to defend them.
He advised religious leaders to avoid misleading their followers for personal gain, noting that the majority of worshippers in mosques and churches regard them as spiritual guides and place profound trust in them. He emphasized that only God has the power to save humanity.
“Do your best in worshiping Allah and leave everything else to Him. Many challenges have emerged in this country, but we believe that returning to God and intensifying prayers in our places of worship will bring hope,” he said.
“Difficulties are temporary, and nothing lasts forever. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and avoid condemnation, trusting that God will address matters as He sees fit.”
Reflecting on leadership, the Sultan cautioned, “On that final day, each person stands alone before God. No deputy or adviser will be there to support you. Let us hold ourselves accountable and strive for a better country through faith and perseverance.”
He also noted the critical issues facing Northern Nigeria, such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity, challenges that threaten the region’s unity.
He urged Northerners to remain united, warning that external forces seek to divide the region due to its historical influence.
Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), echoed the Sultan’s sentiments, acknowledging the urgent humanitarian crisis brought by climate change in the North.
He stressed the need to tackle underlying causes of conflict, including poverty and inequality, and to educate the public on climate impacts and environmental responsibility.
Dr. Okoh joined the Sultan in calling on leaders to be truthful, emphasizing that Nigeria’s success depends on prayer and seeking divine guidance.
In his remarks at the event ,
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has called on Northern states, religious leaders, and agencies to unite in tackling climate-induced conflicts and promoting peace across the region.
Sani emphasized that climate change poses significant risks to Northern Nigeria, threatening livelihoods and fueling competition for resources, particularly among agrarian and pastoral communities.
Sani highlighted the urgent realities of rising temperatures, desert encroachment, and deforestation, which are exacerbating poverty and displacing communities.
He said ,to address the root causes of climate-induced conflicts, the governor proposed sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and initiatives for peacebuilding through dialogue and collaboration.
He shared Kaduna State’s climate change policy aimed at building a climate-resilient, low-carbon future, emphasizing that the path forward requires committed partnerships and prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable.(www.krestnews.com)