The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged religious leaders not to shield people accused of corruption because of religious, family or personal connections.
The Sultan spoke at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said religious leaders should allow law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute anyone suspected of wrongdoing, regardless of their relationship with the person.
“Whoever is involved, even our brothers, our sisters, our fathers, our friends, those involved, should face the law,” he said.
The Sultan specifically warned religious leaders against using their positions to protect alleged offenders.
“Don’t tell me he is the pastor of ‘so so’ and ‘so so’ church, he is the chief monk of ‘so so’ and ‘so so’ National Mosque. We don’t want to hear that. Let the EFCC chairman go after that person, whoever it is, and deal with him according to the law,” he said.
He also condemned the use of corrupt proceeds for religious activities, saying good deeds funded with illicit wealth could not justify such acts.
“You cannot steal money and then send people to Jerusalem and Mecca with corrupt money, and then you think God will accept your deeds; No,” the Sultan said.
He urged Christians and Muslims to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation to enable them to work together on issues affecting the country.
The Sultan also called on religious leaders to continue praying for political leaders, including the President, governors and members of the National Assembly, regardless of their views about their performance.
“No matter how bad you think they are, continue to pray. That prayer will make God touch their lives and then they will change,” he said.
Don’t shield corrupt people — Sultan warns religious leaders