THE Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce effective regulatory measures to curb the rising spread of fake news on social media platforms, warning that the menace poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s unity and peace.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking at the Northern Traditional Rulers Council General Assembly held on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the revered monarch lamented that misinformation has become a major destabilising force in the country, often inciting public tension and deepening divisions among citizens.
According to the Sultan, the rate at which falsehoods are spread online has reached alarming proportions, with many Nigerians now accepting fabricated narratives as truth without verification.
“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,”
the Sultan declared.
He noted that social media, while a useful tool for information sharing, has increasingly been weaponised by mischief-makers to distort facts, promote hate speech, and undermine public confidence in governance and institutions.
The Sultan also used the occasion to commend the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their relentless efforts in combating insecurity, particularly the war against banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violent crime plaguing Northern Nigeria.
“I strongly condemn some of the harsh words directed at our military because of certain setbacks. They are doing their best to restore security in many parts of the country,” he said.
“Such criticism does not help. Instead, it discourages those who are putting their lives on the line for our safety.”
He emphasised the need for constructive engagement and mutual respect between the armed forces and the civilian populace, urging Nigerians to show solidarity with security personnel rather than subjecting them to constant condemnation.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Emir of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, highlighted the importance of the assembly’s theme: “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.”
He said the focus of the dialogue underscored a shared commitment to strengthening peace through partnership, grassroots engagement, and the application of non-kinetic approaches to conflict resolution.
The Emir noted that traditional rulers, being closest to the people, play a vital role as intermediaries between government authorities and local communities, and must therefore be empowered to help drive reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Etsu Nupe, and other prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Northern Nigeria.
