Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Social Media Regulation, Cites Threat to National Unity

 

By Oriontimes Newsroom

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive steps toward regulating social media in Nigeria, warning that its unchecked misuse poses a serious threat to national unity and mutual respect among citizens.

The Sultan made the call through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, who represented him at the Northern Ulamah Summit on Insecurity and Socioeconomic Challenges held in Kaduna.

According to the Sultan, social media, though a powerful tool for information sharing, has become a weapon of division and disrespect in society.

 “Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone, a respected leader, neighbour, or even a family member without facing any consequences,” he lamented.

He warned that if left unregulated, the abuse of digital platforms could continue to undermine peace and harmony in Nigeria, noting that the freedom of expression must not translate into freedom to destroy.

The Sultan further urged religious leaders, parents, and institutions to promote moral discipline and digital responsibility among the youth, emphasizing that “the preservation of national unity begins with the preservation of mutual respect.”

The call aligns with previous concerns the Sultan has raised over the influence of social media in spreading misinformation, hate speech, and falsehood capable of fueling tension across the country.

The Northern Ulamah Summit, attended by prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and government officials, focused on exploring solutions to the region’s insecurity, economic hardship, and moral decay.