2019 Polls: Watch your language, Sultan cautions Religious Leaders

Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar 111, has in strong terms cautioned religious leaders of both two major religious bodies in the country, Christianity and Islam to be mindful of their language in order not to overheat the polity towards 2019 general elections.

Sultan Sa’ad made this known in Abuja yesterday while making his remark in a National Dialogue organized by Alumni of Association of the National Institute (AANI) with the theme, “Democratic Stability for National Security.

Sultan Sa’ad said religious leaders should guard their utterances very well given the fact that their words are strong and can influence the society in a great way.

He said people were apprehensive over 2019 and stressed the need to find a way out of the quagmire.

His words, “We as religious leaders should be wary of what we say because our words are strong and can influence a whole lot of people.

“The role of religious leaders is to ensure peaceful coexistence and stability. Some are now politicians wearing cassock. We have seen pastors, Imams talking on the 2019 election. It is not just when you read Koran that you become a Sheikh or read Bible to become a Pastor, there are more to this”.

Sa’ad who is also the Chairman of Heritage Council of AANI, the highest decision making body of the association stated the need for Nigerians to engage on constant dialogue that will enable them understand their challenges.

He maintained that Nigerians should avoiding talking at each other but rather talk to each other to deepen brotherhood and oneness.

“We must dialogue like never before and must not get tired of dialoguing. Dialogue is the key for our prosperity. We must talk to one another to understand our challenges” the head of the caliphate said.

Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha who declared the event open said the importance of the topic cannot be overemphasized as Nigeria approach election year.

Mustapha who was represented by Permanent Secretary, General Services in the office of the SGF, Mr. Olusegun Adekunle said Nigeria needs institutional networking saying that it is critical to achieving sustainable peace.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Mr. Mohammed Babagana Monguno who was the Guest of honour said National Security is measured by strong and peaceful democracy.

President of AANI, Mr. Khaleel Bolaji said the dialogue was planned based on advice from the Sultan and the need to find a way out of our numerous security challenges.