Social Media 'Terrorists': Sultan Ditches Leprosy for Ringworm — International Edition (English)

Not long ago, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, referred to social media as "a terrorist organization." Upon hearing this, many individuals initially reacted with skepticism. It seemed too outlandish to be true, almost as though anonymous troublemakers had invented and spread a false story online. However, upon verifying several reputable television channel websites, it became evident that he indeed expressed these views during an interview. Moreover, his statement wasn't just a one-time remark;

Addressing the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers' Council in Maiduguri, Borno State, the traditional ruler urged security forces to intensify efforts against terrorism by monitoring social media platforms. For clarity, here’s an excerpt from his address where he stated several points including: The Sultan mentioned various issues such as:

If you claim that all Fulanis are criminals, then consider me included. As far as this region is concerned, I stand at the helm of the Fulani community here. However, unless you explicitly label me as a criminal, bandit, or kidnapper too, such generalizations shouldn’t apply. These topics require careful discussion; they’re deeply rooted aspects of who we are. Ethnic heritage isn't something to be dismissed but rather celebrated. It was under God’s guidance that we reached our current status. Hence, my connection to being Fulani brings me immense pride. This fact resonates globally—be it in places like Washington...I’ve made sure to spread this message widely. Should anyone lack understanding regarding terms like 'Fulani' or ‘Kanuri,’ consulting literature would clarify matters. All information needed is available out there. Thus, appreciating efforts from authorities aimed at restoring historical knowledge makes sense because some individuals attempt to suppress educational resources related to history, acting as though history doesn’t matter. Yet, erasing past events proves impossible—they remain etched firmly into reality.

You cannot rely on social media for accurate information; it operates as a form of terrorism. Sitting comfortably in their rooms, individuals concoct narratives that people accept as fact without question. This entity known as social media acts like a terrorist organization that needs addressing. It falls upon security agencies to tackle this so-called 'social media' terror group.

For individuals attempting to dismiss his statement, the Sultan referred to social media as a terrorist organization on four separate occasions. Had he only mentioned it once, one might have argued that the context differed from how it was understood. However, the Sultan emphasized and repeated himself multiple times to ensure his point was clear. Additionally, he stated twice that this "terrorist organization" needed to be suppressed.

Upon viewing the entire speech, it becomes evident that the Sultan denounced the murders occurring in the northern region, particularly in Plateau State. Nonetheless, where each speaker chooses to place greater importance reveals their primary concern or inclination. It is apparent that the Sultan is far more perturbed by individuals posting content on social media platforms than by those perpetrating daily acts of killing and kidnapping close to home. While he referred to these perpetrators as criminals, he described social media entities as a terror organization.

This statement might seem odd if made by just any leader. However, when expressed by the Sultan—who leads both Muslims and Fulanis in Nigeria during a period when Fulanis faced accusations of orchestrating systematic killings across the North-Central regions of Benue and Plateau—it provoked widespread resentment. In April itself, approximately 250 individuals lost their lives due to violence in various towns within these two states. Meanwhile, in the North-West region, places such as Zamfara and Katsina grapple with numerous local government areas under the control of bandits, predominantly identified as Fulani. These groups instill fear among locals through acts of murder, abduction, exploitation of women and children, extortion via ransom demands, and imposition of protective taxes on residents.

It’s important to highlight that the incidents in Benue and Plateau did not stem from communal conflicts among neighbors regarding land borders; rather, they involved invasions of those communities. These assaults have consistently targeted villages under claims that Fulani herders' livestock had been stolen. Following such occurrences, the Coalition of Indigenous Fulani Registered Organizations in Plateau State convened a press briefing in Kaduna where they outlined prerequisites for restoring tranquility within the Bokkos Local Government Area. It goes without saying that labeling every Fulani as criminal lacks logic. However, the factions responsible for attacking various settlements across the North Central region and beyond consist primarily of individuals identifying themselves as Fulanis.

Many questioned why the Sultan’s relatives kept assaulting various groups, yet he refused to label them as terrorists. At the same time, he deemed it acceptable to refer to social media as a terrorist organization and instructed authorities to clamp down on it. Given his position as a traditional leader subject to removal by the Governor of Sokoto State, the Sultan has no reason to criticize either the federal or state administration. Consequently, he should refrain from voicing concerns over rising prices in Nigeria, widespread hunger, and the conspicuous consumption displayed by politicians amidst public hardship. However, he remains fully entitled to denounce unequivocally the actions of criminals and herders responsible for recurrent violence against Nigerian citizens and tarnishing the reputation of Fulani people.

During his address, the Sultan mentioned that various regions around the globe face instability issues. He further pointed out that certain nations experience higher degrees of unrest compared to Nigeria. This observation holds merit. However, one must wonder why he failed to acknowledge that social media has more detrimental effects in numerous countries than it does in Nigeria.

The so-called "crime" of social media lies in its ability to grant everyday people the means to disseminate information, voice their perspectives, and critique authorities directly. Previously, those wishing to articulate their viewpoints needed to rely on traditional outlets like newspapers, broadcast radios, and TV networks. These institutions not only served as conduits for communication but also acted as gatekeepers—selecting which parts of interviews or articles would see publication and determining whether certain stories should be suppressed or delayed indefinitely. By wresting control from these entities, social media transferred this authority into the hands of individual users instead.

Brigadier General Sultan Abubakar has retired from his military role. Military personnel, particularly those who received training in Nigeria, often hold themselves superior to ordinary citizens and tend not to tolerate challenges to their power. These individuals expect commands to be carried out unquestioningly. In contrast, forums such as social media frequently pose inquiries and remain unaware of the potential threat this poses to those in authoritative positions.

A key aspect is that social media transcends borders, whereas conventional media was confined to circulation within Nigeria. Previously, politicians and law enforcement had the power to arrest individuals simply for voicing critical opinions. However, with social media, a Nigerian can now share their viewpoint from abroad, such as from Australia, criticizing those same politicians back home without fear of repercussions. The political figures in Nigeria have limited means to address this individual directly.

The irritation stemming from an inability to curb individuals expressing their viewpoints on social media often leads numerous political, religious, social, and business figures to voice robust criticisms toward these platforms. However, such efforts are futile. Social media isn’t disappearing anytime soon. Nigeria operates as a democracy; challenging social media would risk undermining this proclaimed democratic system.

A multitude of issues plague Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, which could elicit strong reactions from the Sultan. With approximately 20 million Nigerian children currently out of school—primarily concentrated in the north—the nation faces significant threats to both stability and development. It’s unrealistic for any country to maintain tranquility when millions of young people lack educational opportunities. Additionally, the ongoing religious and ethnic conflicts that have resulted in numerous fatalities ought to deeply concern him. Furthermore, the pervasive insecurity concerning personal safety and assets adds yet another layer of distress. Collectively, these elements instill greater fear among Nigerians compared to social media influences.

— X: @BrandAzuka

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