…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, expressed his concern over the surge in killings and insurgency that occurred after the 2023 elections in Nigeria.
Speaking during the second quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, the Sultan emphasized that the violence is not driven by religious motives but is the result of actions by uninformed individuals.
Blaming Inadequate Security Response
The Sultan criticized the security operatives, accusing them of failing to respond effectively to the threats and activities of criminals.
He pointed out that security officials often arrive at the scenes of attacks long after bandits have carried out their acts, which only serves to mock the victims.
The Sultan expressed his frustration, stating, “Throughout the campaigns and the elections, we never had these cases of insecurity.
Suddenly, after the elections, the killings continued across Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, and other places.
These killings are definitely not related to religion, but the activities of some set of uninformed people.”
Calls for Immediate Action
The Sultan highlighted the need for swift action and engagement with the incoming government to address these security challenges.
He stressed that the current situation cannot persist, particularly when bandits are freely attacking communities, killing innocent people, and destroying their homes without any meaningful response from security agencies.
Role of the Media in Nation-Building
The Sultan acknowledged the critical role of the media in nation-building and peaceful coexistence.
He urged media practitioners to actively participate in governance and administration, starting with the incoming administration in Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of quality, factual, and truthful reporting, as well as the media’s role in shaping public perception and influencing government actions.
The Sultan also highlighted the media’s impact during the 2023 elections and stressed that they will continue to play a crucial role in the forthcoming administration.
He called on media professionals to share their challenges and expectations, urging them to convey their messages to the incoming government.
Christian Association of Nigeria’s President Supports Media’s Role
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and co-chairman of NIREC, echoed the Sultan’s sentiments.
He encouraged media professionals to view their work as a calling rather than just a profession.
Okoh emphasized the responsibility of media practitioners to understand the complex situation in Nigeria and ensure their reporting does not fuel religious or ethnic tensions.
In light of the critical role the media plays in shaping society, both leaders emphasized the need for media professionals to act responsibly and contribute to the peace and progress of the nation.