Sultan of Sokoto debunks AI image on Benue crisis

•Warns against fake news
By Dapo Akinrefon

The media team of the Sultan of Sokoto, yesterday, debunked a misleading post circulating on social media platforms linking the Sultan to the crisis in Benue State.

The team in a statement by Prince Bashir Adefaka, titled ‘Re: False and misleading claims circulating on social media,’’ said the misleading content attempted to introduce a divisive religious and ethnic narrative.

It stated that the Sultan had consistently promoted peace, interfaith harmony and national cohesion, noting that efforts to tarnish his legacy through fabricated content must be rejected.

The statement read: “The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has been alerted to a misleading post circulating across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, titled ‘leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto.’

‘’The content attempts to introduce a divisive religious and ethnic narrative into the ongoing security challenges in Benue State.

“We wish to categorically state that the image in question is fake, likely AI-generated, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public. It is also a mischievous and dangerous attempt to associate the revered leadership of Muslims in Nigeria, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, with issues unrelated to his office or person.

“The accompanying commentary falsely alleges religious bias and attempts to inflame tensions by linking the Sultan to the crisis in Benue State. Such claims are not only baseless but also constitute a serious threat to national unity and security.

‘’These actions reflect a pattern of disinformation designed to incite division and undermine peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“As custodians of the image and public communication of the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council and Co-President of the World Religions for Peace, New York, we condemn these acts in the strongest terms.

‘’For nearly two decades, the Sultan has consistently promoted peace, interfaith harmony, and national cohesion. Efforts to tarnish this legacy through fabricated content must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“We also note with concern that similar false narratives have been propagated over time by identifiable individuals on social media. Such activities risk exacerbating existing tensions and destabilising the fragile security environment in parts of the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Sultan of Sokoto does not appear in the manner depicted in the circulated image whatsoever. Furthermore, Islamic teachings clearly establish that prostration is an act of worship reserved solely for Almighty Allah, making the claims in the post not only false but also fundamentally inconsistent with the Sultan’s faith and principles.

“We call on the federal government and relevant security agencies to take decisive action against the spread of disinformation and those responsible for inciting division through such harmful content, some of whom we shall start profiling for actions any time soon.

“We also urge religious and community leaders across all faiths to promote responsible communication among their followers, particularly on social media platforms. ‘’Safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and stability is a shared responsibility that transcends religious and ethnic boundaries.”