The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has issued a crucial directive to governors from Nigeria's northern region, urging them to pay closer attention to public criticism as a vital tool for improving governance.
A Call for Attentive Leadership
Speaking at a joint session of the Northern Governors Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna on Monday, December 1, 2025, the Sultan emphasized that constructive feedback from citizens often highlights critical gaps requiring immediate government action. He warned that dismissing such criticism has historically slowed down necessary interventions in the region.
The Sultan expressed strong confidence in the elected leaders but reminded them that the North faces compounding challenges, including rising insecurity, deepening poverty, and significant economic strain. He stated that complacency is not an option under these pressing circumstances.
Criticism as a Tool for Recalibration
Addressing the perception that leaders ignore the people after elections, the Sultan firmly disagreed. "No governor, no president will ask for people's votes and, when he takes office, all he does is turn his back against the people," he asserted.
He encouraged the governors to actively engage with their critics. "Listen to critics, listen to criticisms also, listen to critiques, and make amendments whenever these arise," the Sultan advised. He framed this feedback not as an attack but as an essential mechanism for refining policies and administrative actions.
Strengthening Collaboration for a Stable North
The Sultan assured the governors of the full and unwavering support of traditional rulers across the region. "We are 100% with you in this drive to make the North a better place. You have our confidence, you have our trust. You can reach out to us any time of the day," he pledged.
To ensure coordinated action, he called for the establishment of regular and structured meetings between state governors and traditional leaders from all geopolitical zones within the North. He believes such sustained collaboration is fundamental to harmonizing decisions, improving security responses, and strengthening overall governance.
"Whatever it takes to bring peace and stability to the North and to the country, we will do it. We don't think we have any other place to run to except our place," the Sultan concluded, reaffirming the traditional institution's dedication to national stability.
This high-level meeting follows a recent closed-door consultation between the Sultan and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between national, regional, and traditional leadership structures.
