The Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Majesty, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has advised the federal government to be tolerant to criticisms from all Nigerians especially the likes of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The Sultan who gave the advise while speaking at an event organised by the Kukah centre, held on Thursday, at the National Counterterrorism centre in Abuja, said the government would achieve a lot by listening to them.
He urged leaders to remain open to criticism and inclusive in their engagements, calling on the authorities to draw critics closer rather than shut them out
“I urge you, don’t look back. You have criticisms, you have critics, let them talk, but listen.
“Those you will bring close to you like president Sowore, bring him close.
“When I say president, it is president with small ‘p’ not capital ‘P’. It is only President Tinubu that has capital ‘P’.
” So, president Sowore come close, say your own mind. There is nothing wrong in saying your mind because the more you allow somebody to bring out what is in his chest, the better for you and him. The moment you turn down somebody and you tie him, you allow him to go heywire.
“When I was coming in I met president Sowore. I was surprised to see him and also happy because we will hear from him what are the issues that he thinks the government should do or must do for him to be happier person because when he is happy the people that follow him; respect and believe in him will also be happy”, he advised.
The Sultant also spoke about Sowore becoming Nigeria’s President one day.
“Maybe one day you will be at this Aso Rock villa as President. You didn’t say amen”, he predicted.
