The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, SCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has decried the pitiable conditions of Nigerians.
The monarch stated this on Thursday during the opening ceremony of a summit in Gombe State, organised by the Da’awah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN).
He advised governors to ensure there is adequate supply of food, as global food shortage looms.
The monarch stated that the standard of living among most Nigerians had nosedived while the poverty level was driving the poor into criminality.
Abubakar said, “I know what I am saying and I can say it anywhere. We must tell ourselves the whole truth. Let’s not deceive ourselves that things are getting better. Things are not getting better. The earlier we know this, the better for us so that we can find the means and ways of solving the problem. It is as simple as that.
“We want to thank you followers for being patient with us. But being good followers does not mean you should not tell us where we go wrong and where we are right.
“If we do the right thing, vote for us. If we do not do the right thing, don’t vote for us. Nobody should force you to vote against the person you don’t like. If they give you money, take and go and vote for the person you think is better.
“A hungry man is an angry man. We must check the poverty level in this country. Without food, there will be no peace and without peace, there will be no security.”
The Islamic leader, commenting on the security situation in the country, said, “Let us not deceive ourselves that things are right. Things are not right, we know it and we have seen so much in our lives.
“It doesn’t take anybody a lot to know that Nigeria is in a very bad situation and it is a fact.”