Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, urges Nigerians to pray for their leaders, regardless of their performance. Speaking at a lecture in honor of Professor Is’haq Oloyede, he emphasized the power of prayer to inspire positive change in leadership, advocating for a constructive approach to governance.
In a recent public lecture at the University of Ilorin, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders, even when they appear ineffective. Speaking at the event honoring Professor Is’haq Oloyede’s retirement, the Sultan emphasized the importance of not cursing leaders but instead offering prayers for their improvement.
He argued that negative sentiments towards leaders can be counterproductive, stating, “If you pray for him/her, Almighty God can make him/her turn a new leaf and make him/her a better person.” The Sultan's call for unity through prayer comes amid ongoing frustrations among Nigerians regarding leadership and governance.
He reminded attendees that even leaders with perceived shortcomings can change for the better with divine intervention. This message resonated with the audience, sparking various reactions on social media, where some expressed skepticism about the efficacy of prayer in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
The Sultan’s remarks highlight the ongoing discourse on the relationship between leadership and citizenry in Nigeria, as many grapple with issues like corruption and governance. His counsel aims to foster a spirit of hope and resilience, encouraging a more constructive approach to leadership accountability through prayer rather than condemnation.
