Sokoto: Sultan Urges New District Heads To Remain Politically Neutral

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, has issued a strong warning to newly turbaned District Heads in Sokoto State, urging them to remain neutral in political matters and distance themselves from partisan activities in order to preserve the dignity of the traditional institution.

The monarch gave the admonition shortly after the formal turbaning of several district heads at his palace in Sokoto yesterday, stressing that traditional rulers must not allow themselves to be drawn into the country’s political contests.

According to the Sultan, the traditional institution remains one of the most respected pillars of Nigeria’s social and cultural structure, and its custodians must therefore protect its integrity by avoiding alignment with politicians or political parties.

He noted that district heads and other traditional leaders are regarded as custodians of culture and tradition in their respective domains, a role that requires fairness, wisdom and neutrality in dealing with members of their communities.

The Sultan said that by virtue of their revered positions, traditional rulers do not have the moral justification to take sides in politics, warning that doing so could divide their communities and weaken the trust placed in them by the people.

“You should hold your position as fathers to all, irrespective of their political ideology or affiliation,” the Sultan declared, emphasising that every resident within their domains deserves equal attention and justice.

He further advised the newly appointed district heads to concentrate on promoting peace, unity and social harmony within their communities rather than engaging in activities that could create political tension.

The monarch also stressed the importance of working closely with community leaders, security agencies and government institutions to strengthen grassroots stability across the state.

He urged them to use their influence to encourage dialogue, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among citizens, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to confront various security and social challenges.

The Sultan further charged the district heads to intensify prayers for peace and stability in their communities, the state and the country at large, noting that spiritual guidance remains essential in addressing national difficulties.

“No amount of prayer is too much. Prayer will never be too much at any point in time,” he said, urging the traditional rulers to regularly mobilise their people to seek divine guidance for Nigeria.

The revered monarch concluded by reminding the newly turbaned district heads that leadership in the traditional system is a sacred trust that demands humility, fairness and unwavering commitment to the welfare of all citizens.