The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has reminded politicians that only “Allah gives power to whom he wishes,” as they prepare for the forthcoming general elections in 2023. He also urged them to play politics by the rules, and fear Allah in their dealings, as their actions and inactions would be accounted for before the Creator.
Speaking in Bauchi yesterday during the closing ceremony of the 36th National Quranic Recitation and Memorisation Competition hosted by the state government.
The competition, which drew contestants from the 36 states and Abuja, began on March 18. The Sultan urged Nigerians to be more religiously tolerant, saying the country could only thrive in peace and tranquillity. He said: “In the next few days, we will start Ramadan. I call on all Muslims in this country and beyond, to continuously offer prayers for our country, for peace and stability because without peace, we can’t do anything. “Ramadan is coming and the cost of living in Nigeria is very high. I call on all traders to be afraid of what the Almighty Allah will ask them on the day of judgment. Instead of increasing the cost of commodities, reduce it to receive God’s blessings. Government should do something to tackle food shortage and hunger.
“This is another preparation for 2023 elections. They should play politics with the fear of Almighty Allah, knowing that He is the only one that gives power to whom He wants. Do not make it a do-or-die because the Almighty knows, who will be the leader by 2023. We don’t know because we are mere mortals. Meanwhile, the Sultan was excited about a nine-year-old Sumaiyya, who recited the Holy Qur’an at the event. He offered her a scholarship to the university level. Also, Governor Bala Mohammed hailed the participants, saying: “There is no loser, everyone is a winner.” He gave N10m to the constants, another N10m to winners, and N5m to the judges
Ada Peter
