Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the growing misuse of social media, particularly among scholars, warning that its unregulated use poses a serious threat to peace, unity, and mutual respect in Nigeria.
Calling for the regulation of social media in Nigeria as he said its use is being abused, Sultan Abubakar, who spoke through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, said during the Northern Ulama summit on insecurity and socioeconomic challenges that in the use of social media, “there are no laws, no consequences.”
At the event organised by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas held in Kaduna, the Sultan commended Islamic scholars for gathering to deliberate on issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and national security, but frowned at the abuse of social media by some individuals.
According to the Sultan: “Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone, be it a respected individual, a leader, your neighbour, or even a family member. There are no laws, no consequences, and no one to challenge this behaviour.
“In other countries, social media is regulated. If someone posts something that causes division or incites unrest, they can be traced and punished. This is how it should be done in our country.”
The summit, attended by top Islamic clerics, political leaders, and stakeholders from across northern Nigeria, focused on tackling insecurity, promoting religious harmony, and strengthening the role of scholars in national development.
Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, said the gathering was aimed at fostering unity and developing actionable solutions to the region’s challenges.
“We must rise above our differences. We are all from Allah. This summit is about unity, not division. The Qur’an and Sunnah guide us to work together to ensure peace, justice, and good relationships,” he said.
Dr. Umar also warned against the growing threat of misinformation spread through social media, stressing that irresponsible communication fuels division and conflict.
He urged the public to use digital platforms responsibly to help the government and communities better understand and address the root causes of insecurity.
Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, also underscored the need for constructive dialogue and responsible engagement online.
“Part of the problem is social media, where you find many clashes. But one should not exceed boundaries by accusing or defaming others,” he said.
Gumi cautioned against total censorship of social media but called for the enforcement of existing laws.
“There are already laws against defamation and false accusations. What we want is for these laws to evolve to match the speed and universality of social media,” he added.
Among the respected clerics present were Sheikh Ibrahim Khalid, Sheikh Abubakar Jahid, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu (JNI), Dr. Bashir Dahiru Bauchi, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmed, and Sheikh Maihula.
Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, urged northern communities to stop blaming the government for the security crisis, emphasising that many perpetrators of violence are from within.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa pledged legislative collaboration in implementing the summit’s resolutions.
“We in the National Assembly are committed to engaging with the outcomes of this summit to enhance peace and governance,” he said.
Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano also addressed recent international accusations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
“Claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria are false. Even Christian lawmakers in the Senate have dismissed those allegations, affirming that Muslims and Christians live peacefully in this country,” he said.
He further urged Islamic scholars to be cautious in their preaching, advising them to verify information before making public statements about political leaders.
