Abuja:The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has issued a strong warning to politicians and public officials against using stolen public funds to sponsor pilgrimages to the Holy lands of Mecca and Jerusalem.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Sultan emphasized that God does not accept corrupt offerings. He made these remarks during the opening ceremony of a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, which was themed ‘Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.’
In his address, the Sultan urged religious leaders to actively collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to combat systemic graft. He stressed that religious leaders must fight corruption because God does not condone it. Abubakar stated that using corrupt money for religious purposes such as Hajj is unacceptable.
The Sultan called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take decisive action against corrupt individuals, regardless of their affiliations. He urged the EFCC to perform its duties without political interference.
Highlighting the importance of national unity, Abubakar praised NIREC for fostering dialogue between Christians and Muslims, emphasizing that such interactions are crucial for peace and national development. He encouraged religious leaders to seek genuine mutual understanding over mere tolerance.
The Sultan also advised clerics to be cautious in their speeches, especially during election periods, and to focus on praying for national leaders instead of inciting division. He commended the outgoing Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, for his transformative tenure.
An overview of the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Manuals Project was presented by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Chairman of the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee (IAAC). Oloyede described the manuals as a strategic initiative to address Nigeria’s moral crisis, with a focus on youth, cybercrime, and money laundering vulnerabilities.
The event was attended by religious leaders, government officials, security representatives, and the media. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede urged religious leaders to preach against corruption, highlighting its adverse effects on society and emphasizing the importance of honest living to restore moral dignity and ensure the shared flourishing of Nigerians.