The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has voiced deep concern about the widespread suffering, insecurity, and poverty in Nigeria, warning that a revolt may be unavoidable if the situation does not improve. Speaking at the 6th executive Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council meeting at the Arewa House in Kaduna, the Sultan emphasized that traditional and religious leaders had been working to calm the public and prevent mass uprisings against the government.
However, he cautioned that the ongoing economic hardships, particularly high levels of poverty and insecurity, have pushed people to the brink. “We have reached a point where traditional leaders can no longer keep the people from revolting against the government and political leaders who should be addressing their socio-economic challenges,” the Sultan stated.
He acknowledged that despite efforts to pacify the population, the underlying issues of poverty and insecurity cannot be ignored. The Sultan highlighted the need for real solutions to these pressing problems and questioned the continuity of these issues despite changes in government leadership.
Expressing concern over the North’s specific challenges, he pointed out that the root causes of poverty and insecurity must be addressed collectively. “What really is the problem? I think that is one of the reasons we are here to talk to ourselves,” he concluded.
The Sultan’s remarks underscore the urgency for sustainable measures to tackle Nigeria’s economic hardships and insecurity, and the pressing need for collaborative efforts to bring about positive change.
