14/02/2024
Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has lamented the economic hardship in the country, saying Nigerians are frustrated and hungry.
The traditional ruler spoke at the 6th executive committee meeting of the northern traditonal rulers council (NTRC) which held in Kaduna state on Wednesday.
He said insecurity and poverty are the major issues causing trouble for the people of the north.
“To make matters worse, we are faced with rising levels of poverty of most of our people; a lack of normal sources of livelihood for the common man to have even a good meal a day,” he said.
“But I believe talking about insecurity and the rising level of poverty are two issues that we cannot fold our arms and think everything is okay.
“I have said it so many times and at so many fora that, things are not okay in Nigeria and of course, things are not okay in the north.
“To me, this government is a continuation of the former government; it is the same party.
“So, what really is the problem? I think that is one of the reasons we are here to talk to ourselves.”
The sultan said traditional rulers owe it a duty to Nigerians, who believe in the traditional institution, to bring solutions to the various problems facing the country.
“Education is important, so whatever issue you want to bring here, you must talk about education, you must talk about health issues and of the two monsters that have been harassing all of us here that is insecurity and poverty,” he said.
“And let’s not take it for granted; people are quiet, they are quiet for a reason because people have been talking to them.
‘We have been talking to them, we have been trying to tell them things will be okay and they keep on believing.
“I pray to Almighty Allah that they will not one day wake up and say we no longer believe in you, because that would be the biggest problem because we can’t quieten these people as traditional, spiritual leaders and diplomats forever.