Sultan to Tinubu, Governors, “Don’t Beat Frustrated Nigerians with ‘Koboko,’ Show Empathy, Give Them Hope

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and other political leaders to listen attentively to the concerns of Nigerians rather than responding with harshness or repression.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the launch of NASFAT’s history book to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, the Sultan cautioned against what he described as “beating Nigerians with koboko (horsewhip)” whenever they voice their frustrations over the state of the nation.

Instead, he said, leaders should show empathy and reassure citizens that better days’ lie ahead.

He urged Nigerian leaders to look at the people with the sympathy of a father for his child, stressing that justice must take precedence over injustice in governance.

The Sultan also expressed worry over the decline in quality education among Nigerian youths and called for renewed investment in human capital development.

He urged citizens to pray for their leaders rather than curse them, adding that constructive engagement is key to national progress.

He said that whatever problems they are facing or cries they are hearing, they should not carry a ‘koboko’ and whip people. Instead, they should extend a gentle hand, touch someone, and say, “Look, things will be okay.”

He also stressed that Nigeria cannot endure injustice if it is to survive, and that leaders at all levels must prioritise justice and fairness in all their dealings, while urging Nigerians to turn to God.