The Sokoto state government has reacted to an alleged plot to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III
On Monday, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) stated that there are “feelers” that the Sokoto state government is planning to dethrone Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto.
MURIC made the claim in a statement signed and issued by Ishaq Akintola, founder and executive director of the group, Ahmad Aliyu.
It urged governor of Sokoto, to exercise restraint and not tamper with the traditional institution.
The Islamic group cited the removal of 15 traditional rulers for various offences by the state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, in April.
Akintola noted that Nigerian Muslims would reject any hostile actions against Sultan, who is the Nigerian Muslim spiritual leader.
MURIC also expressed concern over “the sour relationship between the governor and the Sultan.”
The organisation said the pedestal of the Sultan of Sokoto was not only traditional but also religious, noting that the Sultan doubles as the head of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
It warned that the Sokoto governor not to “force Nigerian Muslims to take a drastically revolutionary measure.”
Speaking on the alleged removal plot, Vice-president, Kashim Shettima described the Sultanate as an institution that must be jealously guarded and protected.
He spoke at the ongoing North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State.
Shettima told the Sokoto government that the Sultan is much more than a monarch, saying that he represents an institution
But the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has hit back at Vice President, Kashim Shettima warning him to always check his facts before making public comments.
He reminded the vice president of the need to know his position and responsibility as a father to all and not rely on social media to make judgments.
Aliyu, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, was responding to Shettima’s warning handed down to the governor on Monday during the Northwest Security summit in Katsina.
The governor disclosed that there was no iota of truth in what Shettima has said and advised against relying on social media to pass judgement.
He said, “We sincerely expected the Vice President to have consulted the Governor before going public.
“As an elder statesman and a father to all, he should have facts and figures before judging on issues raised by mischief makers and the mushroom social media handlers known for negative propaganda.
The fact of the matter is that there was never any attempt to sack the Sultan nor have we sent him any threat regarding that.
“Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to. We never denied him any of his freedom or rights.
“We therefore do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan. It is our sole responsibility.
“The government and People of Sokoto cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution.
“The Government to this end reassures all Nigerians that it will continue to protect the sultanate council and its dignity at all times,” the state government said.
In reaction to MURIC’s claim, The Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party also warned the state government not to attempt to sack Abubakar from office.
Stating it would resist any attempt to remove the Sultan, the party’s spokesman, Hassan Sanyinnawal, said the PDP was reviewing the recent removal of some district heads and might go to court.
“I want to urge the state government not to make any attempts to sack the Sultan from office. We know it was part of their slogan during the campaign that ‘new governor, new Sultan’; they should drop the idea.
“The Sultan of Sokoto is not just a traditional ruler but also the leader of Muslim Ummah in the country, therefore, any attempt to remove him will be resisted by every Nigerian.
However, the information commissioner in the state Danchadi Sambo has dismissed the alleged removal plot, describing it as “the imagination of MURIC and the opposition in the state.’’
He said: “The statement is just an imagination of the writer and even the opposition party in the state who are capitalising on the situation in Kano.
“It is true that we are streamlining the traditional law and very soon you will hear from the Assembly when the bill is laid on the table of the House.
“Concerning those traditional rulers they were talking about, there was nothing like removal but we just made an amendment and ensure that those who are supposed to be there are given the position.’
“The law on traditional rulers’ appointment in the state has not changed; it is the traditional council that nominates while the government only approves their nomination.
“They are only using what happens in Kano to raise tension in the state, but I can assure you that the government has no intention of such.
“Our streamline of traditional rulers law has nothing to do with the Sultanate seat. So, no cause for tension whatsoever.”
