Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on protesters and organisers to lay down their swords and approach the negotiation table in response to the nationwide hunger and hardship protests and the resulting bloodshed.
The Sultan also went spiritual in his request for the protesters to display restraint, invoking Qur’an 6:43 and stating,
“When the suffering came from us, why did they not learn humility?”Quran 6:43. He made this known in a statement signed by Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary-General of JNI, titled “Ongoing Protest – Sultan Appeals For Calm, Prayers, More Restraint And Caution to All Nigerians”.
It reads, “With the ongoing protests in Nigeria and the information reaching His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of JNI, he once again appeals to the protest organisers, their covert and overt benefactors, as well as other critical stakeholders, to sheath their swords and urgently come to the table for dialogue.”
“We honestly feared an escalation into an unmanageable scenario, and the reports point to that.
“Therefore, in the name of Allah, the Most High, we call for an end to the rampant snowballing in the name of protest.
“We should all recognise that there must be a stable country named Nigeria before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians.
“With tomorrow being Friday, Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders are urged to calm anxieties and appeal to the Ummah to value peace over a chaotic state of things that may even prevent us from praying in congregation.
The Qur’anic guidance in tough moments remains “when the pain reached them from us, why did they not learn humility?” Qur’an 6:43.
“Thus, sober reflection, sincere humility, and continuous prayer to Allah, the Ever Merciful, is the antidote to the quagmire.”
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Supplication is a weapon of the believer and the light of the heavens and earth.”
“Let us thus continue to pray for Allah’s timely intervention. “In truth, all Imams are equally called upon to begin sustained supplications and/or prayers during this time of sadness, through Qunootun-Nawazil (special prayers at disastrous periods in the final Raka’ah of each compulsory and non-obligatory prayer).
“This appeal has grown urgent in light of the protest’s out-of-control nature, which could have a negative impact on the West African subregion.
“Furthermore, the Sultan calls on all Majaalis (knowledge seeking groups), Halqas (study circles),Madaaris and Makarantun Allo (Islamic schools), as well as the leadership of all Muslim organisations and/or societies in Nigeria, should begin special prayers in disastrous situations and challenging times (Qunootun-Nawazil) to ask Allah’s mercy for Nigeria.
A clarion call is thus sent to all leaders and Nigerian citizens to fear Allah, for it is through such a spiritual medium that Allah’s intervention descends with complete surety from Him, the Ever Merciful.
Muslims are also encouraged to be introspective and to practise more Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) through adoration of Allah, Istighfar (asking Allah’s forgiveness), and continuous Du’a (prayers and invocations) for comfort and relief during these tough times.
The Sultan of Sokoto implores the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to address the nation, assuring all Nigerians that peace, security, stability, relief from hardship, and food security will be achieved under his stewardship, in-shallah.”
Similarly, state governors should ease tensions, as quiet is no longer golden in this time of uncertainty.
“In this difficult moment, we pray for all leaders’ guidance, protection, good health, and peace, as well as for Nigeria’s tranquilly. “May Allah, the Most High, provide the quickest relief to all problems plaguing the Nigerian state.”Aamin.”
In Essence
The Sultan emphasizes the importance of dialogue and negotiation as means to address grievances. His appeal to protesters, organizers, and stakeholders to come to the table highlights the need for constructive engagement rather than confrontation, which is crucial in preventing further escalation of violence.
The Sultan expresses concern about the potential for the protests to escalate into an unmanageable situation, which could destabilize not only Nigeria but also the wider West African region. His message shows the urgency of finding peaceful solutions to avoid further chaos and disruption.
