Prominent Islamic scholars, political figures, and community leaders from Northern Nigeria gathered in Kaduna for the Special Northern Ulamah Summit to deliberate on enduring solutions to insecurity and deepening socioeconomic hardship plaguing the region.
The meeting focused on enhancing unity among Muslim clerics, encouraging responsible use of social media, and strengthening cooperation between religious, traditional, and political leaders to restore peace and development in Northern communities.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, called on Islamic scholars and leaders to work together to tackle insecurity, poverty, and disunity.
“We must stand together as one Ummah to overcome our challenges,” he said. “The misuse of social media to spread hatred and misinformation is tearing our communities apart. Peace and stability can only be achieved through sincere cooperation, guided by Islamic teachings and collective responsibility.”
Scholars Warn Against Disunity, Political Manipulation
In a joint message, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau and Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi warned that political manipulation, economic difficulties, and disunity continue to worsen insecurity in the North.
“Our biggest enemy is not poverty or politics, it is disunity,” they declared. “Until our leaders speak the truth and embrace tolerance, insecurity and underdevelopment will persist.”
The clerics appealed to both religious and political figures to embrace dialogue, sincerity, and justice as key instruments for rebuilding trust and harmony across the region.
Lawmakers Back Ulamah Initiative
Lawmakers including Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Zamfara), Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi), and Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Kano) described the summit as vital and timely for the progress and unity of the Ummah.
Senator Yari observed that insecurity endures mainly due to poor coordination and the absence of viable economic opportunities.
Senator Buba highlighted the importance of youth empowerment and moral reorientation founded on Islamic principles.
Hon. Doguwa, Chairman of the Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives, promised legislative support for the resolutions of the summit.
After the deliberations, participants agreed to create a National Islamic Leadership Forum—a permanent structure aimed at bringing together scholars, clerics, and policymakers to advance peace, justice, and socioeconomic growth across Nigeria.
