Amidst the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship and bad governance, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has appealed to protesters and conveners to sheath their swords and come to the dialogue table.
In a statement signed by Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary-General of the JNI, titled “Ongoing Protest – Sultan Appeals For Calm, Prayers, More Restraint And Caution to All Nigerians,” the Sultan emphasized the need for restraint and dialogue.
He quoted the Qur’an 6:43, which says, “When the suffering reached them from us, why then did they not learn humility?”
Appeal for Dialogue
The Sultan urged protest conveners, their supporters, and other critical stakeholders to urgently seek dialogue. He expressed concerns over the escalating violence, fearing it might spiral out of control.
“We genuinely fear escalation to an uncontrollable scenario, and the reports are tilting towards that,” the statement read.
Call for Peace and Prayer
The Sultan called for an end to the violent protests, stressing the importance of a stable Nigeria.
“We should all understand that there must be a stable country called Nigeria before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians,” he said.
He urged Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders to calm their communities and promote peace.
The Sultan highlighted the importance of prayer during these challenging times.
“Sober reflection, sincere humility, and continued prayer to Allah, the Ever Merciful, is the antidote of the quagmire,” he said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad’s saying that “supplication is a weapon of the believer and the light of the heavens and the earth.”
Special Prayers and Supplications
The Sultan called for special prayers (Qunootun-Nawazil) in all obligatory and non-obligatory prayers to seek Allah’s intervention. He encouraged all Muslim organizations, Islamic schools, and study circles to commence special prayers for the nation.
Appeal to Leadership
The Sultan also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the nation and assure Nigerians of peace, security, stability, and relief from hardship. He urged state governors to calm the situation, stating that silence is no longer an option.
Conclusion
In his closing remarks, the Sultan prayed for guidance, protection, good health, and peace for all leaders and tranquility for Nigeria.
“May Allah, the Most High, also provide the quickest relief to all problems bedeviling the Nigerian state. Aamin,” he concluded.
The Sultan’s appeal highlights the critical need for unity, peace, and dialogue during these tumultuous times, urging Nigerians to seek spiritual solace and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges.