The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has sternly warned the public against attributing unfounded statements to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The apex Islamic body labeled a purported comment crediting the Sultan to Islamisation of Nigeria as “mischievous” and “malicious,” highlighting the need to neutralise the dangerous spread of misinformation.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Body’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Imam Haroun Muhammad Eze, NSCIA clarified that the Sultan, who has been out of the country for two weeks, did not make the purported statement linking him to the controversial narrative of Islamising Nigeria.
The Council emphasised that such a baseless assertion is not only harmful to the reputation of the Sultan, but also undermines the unity of the diverse Muslim community he represents, which encompasses various ethnic groups across the nation.
While acknowledging that misinformation should not typically warrant a response, the said it NSCIA believes it was essential to educate the public to prevent possible unrest among those who may be susceptible to misleading information.
“It is unimaginable that such an eminent leader could have uttered such abominable statements,” the statement read, reinforcing the credibility of the Sultan and the Council.
Imam Eze urged Nigerians to always verify the truth of information before sharing it, highlighting the importance of discernment in today’s digital landscape.
“May Almighty Allah grant us peace and unity in Nigeria,” he concluded, as the Council called for solidarity against misinformation that could incite division.
