The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar II, has called on governors of the 19 Northern states to listen more attentively to their critics and use constructive feedback to strengthen governance across the region.

He warned that dismissing criticism could slow down efforts to address the region’s challenges, especially insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.

Speaking on Monday at the Northern Governors Forum joint meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna, the Sultan stressed that no leader seeking the people’s mandate would deliberately turn his back on citizens after assuming office.

The Sultan lamented that governors were often unfairly accused of inaction, despite the enormous pressures they face.

“I always feel bad when I hear that the governor doesn’t want to do anything or the president doesn’t want to do anything. No governor, no president will ask for people’s votes and, when he takes office, all he does is turn his back against the people,” he said.

He urged the governors to “listen to critics, listen to criticisms also, listen to critiques, and make amendments whenever these arise,” noting that genuine feedback can guide better decision-making.

While expressing confidence in the governors, the Sultan reminded them of the need for unity and intensified collaboration.

He praised their efforts, acknowledging that many of the recent meeting postponements were due to official engagements.

According to him, hard work and coordinated action were essential to securing the North and stabilising Nigeria.

“We are 100% with you in this drive to make the North a better place. You have our confidence, you have our trust. You can reach out to us any time of the day,” he assured the governors.

The Sultan also called for more frequent engagement between governors and traditional rulers across the geopolitical zones, proposing structured meetings to harmonize decisions affecting the North.

He further reaffirmed the traditional rulers’ commitment to supporting the governors.

“Whatever it takes to bring peace and stability to the North and to the country, we will do it. We don’t think we have any other place to run to except our place,” he added. (Daily Trust)