The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has blamed the increasing crime rate in the country on the state governors’ inability to pay salaries.
Alhaji Abubakar, who expressed concern over the poor living condition of many Nigerians, urged individuals saddled with the different responsibilities to cater for the needs of the people and work together towards finding a lasting solution.
The Sultan made the remark on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City ahead of the annual general meeting of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Alhaji Abubakar said he was delighted with the increment of the minimum wage and payment of salaries by Governor Oshiomhole.
“That is one of the things that have been bringing so many criminal activities. Workers are not paid and they cannot go to the market because there is no money and there is hunger.
“So, when you are hungry, definitely as we know, a hungry man is an angry man. So, we know the problems in the country. As leaders, let us put our heads together and see how we can resolve this problem.”
The Sultan said there have been tremendous changes in the Edo State he used to know when he was a young officer of the Nigerian Army.
“We have seen some changes and we believe such changes can only come from people who are committed to making the lives of the people better. We therefore want to commend the governor and urge you to continue helping the state in particular and the larger society in this country after you leave office in the next few months.
“We are proud of your activities here and your achievements in the last eight years. We call on whoever God chooses to replace you to continue to build on the legacies you are leaving behind. Whoever that person is, only God knows. There are so many contenders, but only one will occupy that seat, and there is nothing anybody can do about it. God knows who is going to be here. We don’t know.”