The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the Federal Government to regulate social media use.
He warned that unchecked misuse online threatens Nigeria’s unity, peace, and mutual respect.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the Federal Government to introduce effective regulations for social media use in Nigeria, warning that its growing misuse threatens peace, unity, and mutual respect across the country.
The Sultan made the call during the Northern Ulamah Summit on Insecurity and Socioeconomic Challenges held in Kaduna. Represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, he expressed concern that social media platforms have become tools for spreading falsehood, insults, and division, even among religious scholars.
He commended Islamic clerics for gathering to address issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and national cohesion but lamented that “anyone can wake up, pick up a phone, and insult respected figures, leaders, or family members without consequence.” He added that in other countries, online misconduct attracts punishment, stressing that similar measures should be implemented in Nigeria.
The Sultan noted that proper regulation would not amount to censorship but would ensure accountability and responsible communication. “If someone posts content that incites unrest or fuels division, such a person should be traceable and sanctioned,” he said.
Supporting the Sultan’s position, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, said misinformation circulating online has contributed to conflict and distrust. He urged Nigerians to use social media responsibly to support both the government and communities in addressing insecurity.
Prominent cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi also called for caution, urging users to engage responsibly and avoid defamation. However, he advised against total censorship, advocating instead for the enforcement of existing laws on defamation and false information to match the realities of the digital era.
Similarly, Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano dismissed reports of religious persecution in Nigeria, noting that Christian and Muslim lawmakers coexist peacefully. He advised clerics to verify information before making public statements to avoid escalating tensions.
