…As CAN President, urges leaders to be truthful
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar has tasked religious leaders particularly clerics to repent, follow, and preach the authentic teachings of their religion to build a decent society as against misleading their followers for personal aggrandizement.
This was as the Most Reverend, Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stressed the need to address the urgent humanitarian crisis brought about by climate change in the North.
Dr Okoh also emphasized the need to tackle the underlying causes of conflict, including, poverty, inequality, lack of public awareness on climate impacts and environmental responsibility.
Sultan Abubakar, who gave the charge at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organised by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with the International Alert on Monday, October 4, 2024 in Kaduna, reminded the religious leaders of their accountability to God on the day of Judgment.
Abubakr, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), also appealed to Nigerians to stop disparaging their leaders, but, should entrust them to God’s judgment.
He said; “Let me advise religious leaders to avoid misleading their followers for personal gain. The majority of worshippers in Mosques and Churches regard them as spiritual guides and place profound trust in them. Do your best in worshipping Allah and leave everything else to Him.
“Many challenges have emerged in this country, but we believe that returning to God and intensifying prayers in our places of worship will bring hope. Difficulties are temporary, and nothing lasts forever.
“Let us continue to pray for our leaders and avoid condemnation, trusting that God will address matters as He is all-knowing and all-seeing. Nothing, whether good or bad, lasts forever,” he said.
While admonishing citizens on the need to consistently pray for their leaders and the nation to witness prevailing peace, unity, growth and development, the Sultan reminded them of the Day of Judgment during which they will face scrutiny for their actions without anyone to defend them.
According to Abubakar; “On that final day, each person stands alone before God. No deputy or adviser will be there to support you. Let’s hold ourselves accountable and strive for a better country through faith and perseverance.”
Speaking in turn, the CAN President, Dr. Okoh called on leaders to be truthful in their dealings with the people, saying that Nigeria’s success depends on prayer and seeking divine guidance.
Also speaking, Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, called on Northern states, religious leaders, and agencies to unite in tackling climate-induced conflicts and promoting peace across the region.
Sani said that climate change poses significant risks to Northern Nigeria, threatening livelihoods and fueling competition for resources, particularly among agrarian and pastoral communities.
He listed the realities of rising temperatures, desert encroachment, and deforestation as some of the factors exacerbating poverty and displacing communities in the region, adding that in order to address the root causes of climate-induced conflicts, there is the need for sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and initiatives for peacebuilding through dialogue and collaboration.
