Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar II, has cautioned religious leaders against misleading their followers for personal aggrandisement.

He charged them to repent, follow and preach the authentic teachings of their religion towards building a decent society.

The Sultan, who is also the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), stated this at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, held on Monday in Kaduna.

The conference was organised by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in partnership with International Alert.

He said, “Let me advise religious leaders to avoid misleading their followers for personal gain, majority of worshippers in mosques and churches regard them as spiritual guides and place profound trust in them. Do your best in worshiping 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.’’

The monarch urged Nigerians to refrain from disparaging their leaders, instead, they should entrust them to God’s judgment.

He said, “Nothing, whether good or bad, last forever,” encouraging citizens to consistently pray for their leaders and the nation to witness peace, unity, growth and development.

Addressing leaders, the Sultan reminded them of their accountability to God on the Day of Judgment, “where you will face scrutiny for your actions without anyone to defend you.”

Reflecting on leadership, the Sultan said, “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.”

Mr Abubakar identified some critical issues threatening the growth and unity of northern Nigeria to include climate change, poverty, and insecurity.

He, therefore, urged northerners to remain united, warning that some external forces were working to divide the region due to its historical influence.

President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Okoh, echoed the Sultan’s sentiments, acknowledging the urgent humanitarian crisis brought by climate change in the North.

He stressed the need to tackle the underlying causes of conflict, including, poverty, inequality, lack of public awareness on climate impacts and environmental responsibility.

Mr Okoh joined the Sultan in calling on leaders to be truthful, emphasising that, “Nigeria’s success depends on prayer and seeking divine guidance.”

In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, called on the northern states, religious leaders, and agencies to unite in tackling climate-induced conflicts and promoting peace across the region.

According to Mr Sani, climate change poses significant risks to northern Nigeria, threatening livelihoods and fuelling competition for resources, particularly among agrarian and pastoral communities.

The governor listed the realities of rising temperatures, desert encroachment, and deforestation as some of the factors exacerbating poverty and displacing communities in the region.

To address the root causes of climate-induced conflicts, the governor proposed sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and initiatives for peacebuilding through dialogue and collaboration.

(NAN)