THE Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) have called on security authorities in the country to probe the source of the false rumour, on Tuesday, of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Sultanate Council had, in a swift response, said the report purporting the death of Sultan Abubakar in London, United Kingdom, surfaced on social media on the same day he was seen attending the Northern Governors Forum’s meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna.
A former president of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, also confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, when the fake news surfaced, that he had spoken to the Sultan only a moment earlier.
MURIC, in a statement issued by its founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said: “The rumour spread like wildfire, creating tension, fear and suspicion in the hearts of millions of Muslims in the country as well as Sultan’s friends and well-wishers.
“We strongly condemn this development. It is sadistic, diabolical, malicious and luciferous. The enormity of the false rumour is better realised when viewed against the backdrop of the twin status of the Sultan and his revered position in the society.
“Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar is not only the Sultan of Sokoto, he is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) which is the umbrella organisation for all Islamic associations in Nigeria. Whatever is said about him does not affect Sokoto State alone. It affects all Muslims in Nigeria.
“That is why those who spread news about people like him should weigh the gravity of their information and exercise caution. It is crystal clear, however, that those behind this satanic rumour have thrown caution to the winds. It is reckless, thoughtless and absolutely irresponsible.
“We, therefore, call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the source of the false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. Those found culpable should be made to face the law.
“This is necessary in the interest of law, order and good governance. Innocent Nigerians will continue to fall victim to cyber stalking until the security agencies start holding culprits accountable for their criminal activities.”
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) called on law enforcement agencies to “investigate the sources of these malicious rumours, identify and prosecute the perpetrators and take measures to prevent future occurrences.”
MPAC, in a statement by its Executive Chairman, Malam Disu Kamor, said: “The Sultan is alive, in good health and fully engaged in his esteemed responsibilities as a spiritual guide to millions in Nigeria and beyond.
“We urge the public to disregard the malicious rumours and to remain vigilant in verifying news sources. Such rumours only serve to distract and mislead.
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“The Sultan’s leadership and contributions to promoting peace, unity, and Islamic values in Nigeria are invaluable, and we will not let false information tarnish his reputation. May Allah protect and preserve our leaders and inspire us all to uphold truth and respect in every word and action.”
The Sultanate Council, reacting through its Senior Counsellor and the Sarkin Kilgori, Dr Muhammadu Jabbi Kilgori, had requested the general public to disregard the story as the Sultan is hale and hearty “attending to his usual schedules and engagements as leader of the Muslim Ummah and promoting religious tolerance peace and socio-economic development of the nation.”
The former NACOMYO president, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, described the report as a malicious plot to destabilise Islamic leadership in Nigeria.
Akintunde, who is the Secretary General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), told the Nigerian Tribune that he put a call through to the Sultan immediately he sighted the social media report and the traditional ruler calmly told him that he was in a meeting in Kaduna.
He urged the public to be mindful of the antics of mischief makers seeking to cause unnecessary tension and panic in society.
According to Akintunde, Sultan Abubakar remains committed to promoting peace, unity and Islamic values in Nigeria and beyond.
