Sultan Urges Federal Government to Show Empathy, Not Oppression, Towards Nigerians

Sultan Urges Federal Government to Show Empathy, Not Oppression, Towards Nigerians

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other political leaders to listen to the concerns of Nigerians and respond with compassion rather than oppression.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of the *NASFAT History Book* to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, the Sultan cautioned against “beating Nigerians with koboko” when they voice their frustrations about the country’s situation. Instead, he advised leaders to reassure citizens and address their grievances with empathy.

“Look at all of us with the sympathy of a father to his child. Whatever problems you are having, whatever cries you are hearing, don’t carry koboko to whip people. Use soft hands and say, ‘Look, things will be okay,’” he said.

The monarch stressed that justice must remain the foundation of governance, warning that no society can survive without it. Quoting Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdulrauf, he noted, “A nation can endure with unbelief, but it cannot endure with injustice. Conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it.”

The Sultan also lamented the decline in quality education for Nigerian youths and called for collective prayers for leaders rather than curses. He urged leaders at all levels to remember they will be held accountable before God for their actions.

“Yes, times are tough. But when times are tough, tough people overcome tough times. Let’s believe that Almighty Allah will bring ease to all of us in this country and beyond,” he added.

Earlier, NASFAT President Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf described the newly launched history book as more than just a record of the organisation’s journey. He said it is a “living testimony” of the vision, resilience, and sacrifices of those who founded the group in Lagos on March 5, 1995.

He noted that NASFAT has grown from a small prayer group into a global faith-based organisation with over 360 locations worldwide, contributing to social welfare, education, healthcare, and moral development.

“This book is both a reflection of our past and a tool to inspire future generations,” Abdulrauf said.