The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce firm regulations to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Northern Traditional Rulers Council General Assembly in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, the Sultan expressed growing concern over what he described as the “uncontrolled and harmful use of social media,” warning that the unchecked circulation of false information poses a serious threat to national peace, unity, and stability.
“It is now time for the government to regulate social media in the country. The spread of fake news is dangerous and must be addressed,” the Sultan said.
He lamented that misinformation has become so widespread that many Nigerians often accept fabricated stories as truth, adding that such trends have the potential to fuel division, panic, and even violence.
Commends Military for Fight Against Insecurity
The revered monarch also used the occasion to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained efforts in combating insecurity, particularly the ongoing operations against banditry and insurgency in the northern region.
He noted that, without the military’s sacrifices and continued presence in volatile areas, the meeting in Kebbi might not have been possible.
“I strongly condemn some of the harsh words directed at our military because of certain setbacks. They are doing their best to restore security in many parts of the country,” he said.
“Such criticism does not help. Instead, it discourages those who are putting their lives on the line for our safety.”
A Call for Responsible Communication
The Sultan urged Nigerians, especially social media users, to verify information before sharing, stressing that false narratives could easily destabilize communities and inflame tensions.
He further appealed to the government to strike a balance between regulation and free expression, ensuring that while harmful content is curtailed, citizens’ rights to communicate responsibly are preserved.
His comments have reignited public debate over the long-standing issue of social media regulation in Nigeria a topic that has previously sparked controversy among civil society groups, who warn that such policies could be used to stifle free speech.
