IPOB CONDEMNS SULTAN OF SOKOTO'S REMARKS LABELLING SOCIAL MEDIA AS A "TERRORIST ORGANISATION
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPO has strongly criticized the comments made by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who referred to social media in Nigeria as a "terrorist organisation" and demanded its criminalization.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB labeled the Sultan's remarks as "ridiculous" and a sign of growing fear among the northern elite over the increasing exposure of alleged violent acts by Fulani herdsmen.
Citing well-known proverbs like "a guilty conscience is always suspicious" and "the wicked run when no one chases them," IPOB accused the Sultan, a prominent Fulani leader and Islamic authority, of trying to muzzle victims and whistleblowers who use social media to expose atrocities committed by herdsmen and extremist groups.
"Rather than condemning the well-recorded killings, abductions, and land grabs by Fulani terrorists over the years, the Sultan seems more worried about the online platforms revealing these crimes," Powerful declared.
IPOB also slammed the Sultan and the Nigerian government for failing to address Fulani-linked violence, accusing them of using mainstream media to distort attacks as "farmer-herder clashes" or "banditry" to deceive the public and the world.
The group hailed social media for empowering Nigerian youths, creating economic opportunities, and amplifying marginalized voices. IPOB insisted that attempts to ban or criminalize social media were meant to suppress truth and dissent.
"The Sultan may ignore reality, but Nigerians and the world are now aware of the danger posed by Fulani terror groups. Social media has become a crucial tool in exposing those who threaten peace and humanity," Powerful said.
IPOB warned that any move to silence social media would fail. "If the Sultan fears exposure, he should order terrorists to disarm. IPOB and other groups will keep using all lawful means, including social media, to fight oppression and reveal those behind Nigeria's insecurity."
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Sultan, speaking at the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers' Council in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday, branded social media a "terrorist organisation."
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the Sultan complained about social media spreading falsehoods and fueling unrest.
"Social media is a terrorist organisation we must tackle," he said. "You cannot just post anything online—it's a form of terrorism."
He added, "Social media is a terrorist group. People sit comfortably and fabricate stories that are often false."
While the reason for his wording remains unclear, many Nigerians have rejected his statement.
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