The Sultan of Sokoto has used his Eid-el-Kabir message to tell President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in Nigeria to fear God and be responsible.

Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is also the president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in his Sallah message on Tuesday, explained that the existing hardship in the country was of great concern.

He mentioned that the government should take proper measures required to address it.

The sultan stated, “Nigeria leaders need to strategies more measures to address our level of poverty and insecurity, as such will further sustain the unity and peaceful co-existence that is in existence in the country.”

According to him, hunger and poverty have become commonplace in the country despite its many rich resources.

He also pointed out that the country’s continued deterioration of worsening insecurity required the commitment of the government to overcome unabated violence in Africa’s most populous nation.

“It is no longer a story but a reality, people are in dire need of the leaders’ commitment,” said Nigeria’s Islamic spiritual leader, “to address the high rate of poverty, insecurity, and hunger, among other numerous challenges.

Emphasising his point, Mr Abubakar asserted, “Therefore, leaders should fear Allah and shoulder their responsibilities in order to enhance Nigerians’ living conditions.’’