The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on religious leaders, especially clerics, to genuinely follow and preach the core teachings of their religions to foster a moral and just society.
He warned against misleading followers for personal gain and highlighted the accountability all leaders have before God.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert on October 4, 2024, Sultan Abubakar also emphasized the importance of trusting leaders to God’s judgment rather than resorting to criticism.
“Religious leaders must avoid leading followers astray for selfish interests,” the Sultan said. “Many look up to them as spiritual guides. Serve God wholeheartedly, and trust Him with the rest. Challenges in Nigeria may be temporary, but with a return to God and collective prayers, peace and hope can prevail,” he added.
He further urged citizens to refrain from condemning leaders, advocating instead for prayers and patience, with a reminder of the accountability everyone faces on Judgment Day. “Each person will face God alone; let us all strive to improve our nation through faith and perseverance,” he said.
The conference also saw a strong call from Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who stressed the need to address the humanitarian crises stemming from climate change in Northern Nigeria. He highlighted poverty, inequality, and a lack of environmental responsibility as underlying causes of conflict, urging that these issues be addressed to reduce strife in the region.
Dr. Okoh noted, “The pressing impacts of climate change are driving conflict, displacing communities, and increasing inequality. Leaders must be truthful and committed to solutions, as Nigeria’s path to progress is through divine guidance and prayer.”
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, also addressed the gathering, calling on Northern states, religious leaders, and local agencies to come together to tackle climate-induced conflicts and build peace across the region. According to Sani, climate change poses serious risks to livelihoods in Northern Nigeria, escalating competition for resources, especially among agrarian and pastoral communities.
“Rising temperatures, desert encroachment, and deforestation are worsening poverty and forcing communities from their homes,” he explained. Sani underscored the importance of sustainable agriculture, improved water management, and collaborative peacebuilding initiatives to address the root causes of climate-driven conflicts.
The conference highlighted the need for unity, sustainable practices, and faith-driven leadership to confront Northern Nigeria’s climate and conflict challenges.
