-Warns That Dismissing Feedback Risks Escalating Regional Challenges.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on governors in Nigeria’s 19 northern states to actively listen to public criticism and use it as a vital instrument for improving governance across the region. Speaking on Monday at a joint meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna, the Sultan emphasized that ignoring citizens’ concerns could worsen pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, and economic instability.
Sultan Abubakar, who also chairs the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, expressed concern over the widespread belief among citizens that their leaders neglect them after elections.
“No governor, no president will ask for people’s votes and, when he takes office, turn his back against the people,” he stated, urging leaders to view critics not as adversaries, but as partners in progress.
He advised the governors to “listen to critics, listen to criticisms, listen to critiques, and make amendments whenever these arise,” stressing that honest public feedback provides a clear pathway to meaningful reform.
While acknowledging the efforts of the governors and the constraints of their schedules, Sultan Abubakar assured them of the full support of traditional rulers.
“We are 100% with you in this drive to make the North a better place. You have our confidence; you have our trust,” he affirmed.
The Sultan also advocated for stronger collaboration between state governments and traditional institutions, proposing regular structured meetings at the zonal level to improve coordination in addressing regional challenges.
Reiterating the commitment of traditional leaders to fostering peace and development, he declared: “Whatever it takes to bring peace and stability to the North and the country, we will do it. We don’t think we have any other place to run to except our place.”
The meeting brought together key stakeholders to align strategies and strengthen partnerships in tackling the unique challenges facing northern Nigeria.
