The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the remarks made by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who described social media in Nigeria as a “terrorist organisation” and called for its criminalisation.
In a statement released on Thursday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB described the Sultan’s remarks as “absurd” and indicative of a growing panic among the northern establishment over the exposure of violent activities allegedly carried out by killer herdsmen.
Referencing popular proverbs such as “a clear conscience fears no accusation” and “the wicked flee when no one pursues,” IPOB accused the Sultan, regarded as a leading Fulani figure and Islamic spiritual leader, of attempting to silence the voices of victims and whistleblowers who use social media to document and share atrocities committed by herdsmen and extremist factions.
“Instead of condemning the well-documented killings, kidnappings, and land seizures perpetrated by Fulani terrorists over the past decade, the Sultan appears more concerned with the digital platforms exposing these heinous acts,” Powerful stated.
IPOB further criticised what it described as the failure of both the Sultan and the Nigerian government to call out the Fulani-linked violence, accusing them of manipulating mainstream media to downplay attacks and reframe them as “farmer-herder conflicts” or acts by “bandits,” in an attempt to mislead both the Nigerian populace and the international community.
IPOB praised the role of social media in empowering Nigerian youth, facilitating economic opportunities, and providing a platform for marginalised voices.
According to IPOB, efforts to censor or criminalise social media are aimed at suppressing dissent and concealing the truth.
“The Sultan may choose to ignore reality, but both Nigerians and the International Community are increasingly aware of the threat posed by Fulani terrorist groups. Social media has become a vital tool in unmasking the enemies of peace and humanity,” Powerful stated.
IPOB therefore warned that any attempt to silence social media would be futile.
“If the Sultan fears exposure, he should call on the terrorists to disarm. IPOB and other indigenous groups will continue to use every lawful means, including social media, to resist oppression and expose those responsible for insecurity in Nigeria.”
newsmen had reported that the Sultan while speaking during the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday labelled social media as a “terrorist organisation.”
In a video seen by newsmen, the Sultan lamented the role of social media in spreading misinformation and inciting unrest across the country.
“Social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with,” he said.
“You cannot come and be doing social media because that is one terrorist organisation.”
“Social media is a terrorist organisation. What they do — somebody will sit down in his comfort zone and formulate stories, and you will discover that it is not true,” the Sultan stated.
While it is unclear what informed the Sultan’s choice of words, Nigerians have condemned the statement.
