The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the Nigerian government to introduce proper regulations to guide the use of social media in the country, warning that its unchecked use is increasingly threatening national peace, unity, and mutual respect among citizens.
Speaking through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, at the Northern Ulamah Summit on Insecurity and Socioeconomic Challenges organised by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas in Kaduna, the Sultan expressed deep concern over the “growing misuse” of social media platforms, including by some scholars.
He said the ease with which individuals spread false information or insult others online without consequence has contributed to the erosion of moral values and respect in society.
“Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone a respected leader, a neighbour, or even a family member,” he said.
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“There are no laws, no consequences, and no one to challenge this behaviour. In other countries, social media is regulated. If someone posts something that causes division or incites unrest, they can be traced and punished. This is how it should be done in our country.”
The Sultan commended Islamic scholars for their efforts in discussing ways to address issues affecting both the Muslim Ummah and the nation’s security. However, he maintained that unregulated online activity has become a breeding ground for division, hate speech, and misinformation capable of destabilizing the country.
Supporting the Sultan’s position, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, cautioned that misinformation on social media fuels conflict and distrust.
He called for greater responsibility among users, urging citizens to use digital platforms to promote understanding rather than division. “Social media should be a tool for enlightenment and cooperation, not for spreading falsehood and hate,” he added.
Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi also echoed similar concerns, warning that online spaces have become arenas of verbal warfare.
“Part of the problem is social media, where you find many clashes. But one should not exceed boundaries by accusing or defaming others,” he said. However, Gumi advised against total censorship, arguing instead for the enforcement and modernization of existing defamation and cyber laws to match the evolving digital age.
Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano, who also spoke at the summit, dismissed allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
He pointed out that both Muslim and Christian lawmakers in the Senate have confirmed that the two faiths coexist peacefully in the country. Samaila further advised clerics to verify information before making public statements about political leaders, warning that spreading falsehood could deepen societal division.
The call by the Sultan has since drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians online. While some citizens support his appeal for accountability in digital communication, others argue that any form of government regulation might be used to stifle free speech and dissent.
Nonetheless, the conversation underscores growing concern about the impact of unrestrained social media use in Nigeria, especially amid rising political and religious tensions.