By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed allegations that there is a hidden plan to Islamise Nigeria, describing such claims as false and harmful to national unity.

Speaking on Wednesday at the First Triennial Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, the Sultan said Muslims have no agenda against Christians and stressed that both faith communities were brought together for a purpose.

The Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of NIREC, said dialogue remains the best path to peace and progress in the country.

He noted that throughout his 20 years with the council, he has never missed a meeting, saying this reflects his commitment to peaceful coexistence.

According to him, talking is always better than conflict, and Nigerians must learn to understand their religious differences while living together with mutual respect.

Addressing the issue of religious literacy, the monarch warned against unqualified clerics who lack proper knowledge but present themselves as leaders.

He said speaking Arabic does not automatically make someone an Islamic scholar, just as using religious language does not guarantee sound understanding.

The Sultan urged faith leaders to guide their followers responsibly and prevent religion from being used for selfish or political interests.

He also rejected attempts to label criminals by religion, saying bandits and terrorists should be identified for their crimes rather than linked to Islam.

According to him, anyone who kills innocent people in the name of religion stands against Islamic teachings. He added that many Muslims have also suffered from banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Sultan called for stronger trust between religious leaders and the public, saying national development depends on unity and cooperation.

He also praised interfaith partnerships involving NIREC and international bodies, including recent engagements in London with Christian and Muslim leaders seeking local solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

The Sultan thanked the Federal Government for supporting the council and said NIREC would continue its peace efforts regardless of funding challenges.

Source: Vanguard Newspaper