The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stirred conversation after describing social media as a “terrorist organisation,” citing its growing influence in spreading disinformation and provoking civil unrest across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the Sultan expressed concern over how social media platforms are being misused by individuals to generate and circulate false narratives capable of destabilizing the country.
According to him, “Social media is one terrorist organisation,” adding, “Somebody can sit in the comfort of their home and formulate stories and you will consider that it is true. Social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media.”
He called on security agencies to view social media as a threat equivalent to more conventional forms of insecurity, urging them to take deliberate measures to curb the harmful impact of misinformation and online incitement.
Condemnation of Killings in Plateau and Beyond
In addition to his remarks on digital platforms, the Sultan also voiced his frustration over the ongoing violence and loss of lives in Plateau State and other parts of the country. Citing the unending bloodshed, he demanded immediate intervention from both political authorities and security forces.
“Our coming together as traditional rulers in the North, I believe, we have more than 86 in the North. We will speak with one voice to say ‘enough is enough’ of this senseless killing of innocent people across the North and the country,” he said.
While acknowledging the recurring condemnations by authorities, the Sultan criticized the lack of meaningful outcomes. He urged traditional leaders to take a proactive role by engaging in closed-door discussions that could yield practical solutions.
“We, the traditional rulers, feel bad and saddened when our people are killed by people we don’t know. It’s high time we worked harder, talked to ourselves and in a closed-door meeting, discuss it. We shall advise our political leaders, they are at the helm of affairs and we will work with them,” he concluded.
