In a strongly worded statement delivered on Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar III, unequivocally labeled social media a “terrorist organisation,” citing its role in disseminating false information capable of destabilizing Nigerian society. Speaking at an undisclosed event, the prominent traditional leader’s remarks, captured in a video widely circulated by News Central, called for immediate and decisive action from the nation’s security apparatus.
“What happened has happened. You cannot come and be doing social media because that is one terrorist organisation,” the Sultan declared, emphasizing the perceived danger posed by online platforms. He elaborated on his reasoning, stating, “Social media is a terrorist organisation. What they do; somebody will sit down in his comfort zone and formulate stories, and you will discover that it is not true.”
The Sultan’s pronouncement underscores a growing concern among some quarters in Nigeria regarding the impact of unchecked information and potentially malicious content shared on social media platforms. His direct comparison to a “terrorist organisation” signals the severity of his view and his belief in the urgent need for intervention.
“So, social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media,” he reiterated, leaving no room for ambiguity in his demand for a clampdown. The statement, reported by Punch Newspaper and other media outlets, is likely to spark significant debate regarding freedom of speech, government regulation of online spaces, and the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing misinformation. The specific measures the Sultan envisions for security agencies to take against this “terrorist organisation” remain to be seen, but his strong rhetoric suggests a desire for stringent controls.
Sultan Brands Social Media “Terrorist Organization,” Demands Security Crackdown
