Amidst escalating hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, Northern monarchs led by the revered Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, have issued a dire warning to the Federal Government, stressing that the populace is nearing a breaking point.
During the 6th executive Northern Traditional Council Committee meeting at Arewa House, Kaduna, the Sultan conveyed the deep concern of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and governors, who have long attempted to pacify the aggrieved masses.
Sultan Abubakar emphasized the critical juncture Nigeria has reached, where traditional, spiritual, and diplomatic leaders can no longer placate the people against the backdrop of persistent socio-economic challenges.
“People are quiet, not out of contentment, but because they’ve been spoken to repeatedly. However, there’s a limit to their patience. We, as traditional and spiritual leaders, have an obligation to engage, reassure, and guide them,” the Sultan expressed, underscoring the pressing need for tangible action beyond words.
The Sultan highlighted the alarming rise in poverty and insecurity, particularly in the North, urging a concerted effort to address the root causes. He called for introspection among political leaders, emphasizing the urgent need for pragmatic solutions.
“We can’t ignore the reality: poverty and insecurity are pervasive. We owe it to our people to seek sustainable solutions. We must create opportunities for our idle youth, lest we face dire consequences,” Sultan Abubakar cautioned.
While acknowledging the role of political leaders, he stressed the indispensable partnership between traditional institutions and governance structures for effective intervention.
“We are advisers to political leaders, but we must be empowered to act decisively. Collaboration is paramount for peace and stability,” the Sultan affirmed, calling for a unified approach to tackle the pressing challenges facing the North.
The meeting, attended by security chiefs and other stakeholders, aimed to address the escalating insecurity plaguing the region. Sultan Abubakar reiterated the imperative of translating deliberations into tangible actions for meaningful impact.
“In our pursuit of solutions, implementation is paramount. We must bridge the gap between dialogue and action to effect real change,” he concluded, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the collective responsibility to safeguard the future of the North.
