The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government to introduce regulations for social media to stem the spread of false information he said threatens national peace and stability.
Speaking on Tuesday at the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Birnin Kebbi, the Sultan warned that misinformation circulates rapidly online and that many Nigerians often accept and act on unverified content. “It is now time for the government to regulate social media in the country. The spread of fake news is dangerous and must be addressed,” he said.
The monarch also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts to restore security in troubled regions, saying their work made it possible for the council’s meeting to take place in Kebbi. He condemned what he described as unduly harsh criticism of the military, arguing such attacks discourage personnel who risk their lives for national safety. “They are doing their best to restore security in many parts of the country,” he added.
The assembly — held under the theme “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria” — stressed dialogue and cooperation as central to tackling insecurity, Vice Chairman of the council and Emir of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, said. Elkanemi highlighted the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace through non-kinetic approaches and as a bridge between government authorities and local communities.
State and national figures at the gathering included Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Etsu Nupe, and several other prominent northern traditional rulers.
The Sultan’s call follows a similar plea last week for Muslim unity, when he cautioned that social media had become a source of division and hatred. He expressed particular concern that provocative religious sermons, amplified by unverified posts online, are deepening communal rifts and eroding trust across communities.
