The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, warned politicians and public officials on Wednesday in Abuja that they must not use stolen public money to sponsor pilgrimages to Mecca or Jerusalem. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council (NIREC) under the theme “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria,” the Sultan said corrupt funds cannot be justified by the spiritual purpose of religious journeys.
“You cannot steal money and send people to Jerusalem or Mecca with corrupt funds and think God will accept your deeds,” he declared, adding that “God is not corrupt, so you cannot use corrupt money for Hajj or anything else.” The remarks came amid ongoing concerns about the misuse of public resources in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.
Abubakar called on religious leaders to cooperate with anti‑corruption agencies, specifically urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to perform its duties without political interference. He stressed that accountability and transparency are essential for the credibility of both religious and governmental institutions.
The Sultan also appealed for stronger interfaith relations, urging Christian and Muslim leaders to promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. He cautioned clerics against making inflammatory statements, particularly during election periods, and encouraged them to use their platforms to pray for national leaders rather than sow division.
By linking religious integrity with the fight against corruption, the Sultan’s address highlighted the broader call for ethical governance and unity as Nigeria prepares for upcoming electoral contests.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
