Vice-President Kashim Shettima urges Sokoto State to protect Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, amidst allegations of a plot to depose him. The call comes at the North West Peace & Security Summit, following warnings from MURIC about potential unrest among Nigerian Muslims.
At the North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State, Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. Addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Shettima highlighted the Sultan's significance, not only to Sokoto but to the entire nation.
“Our father who is a permanent picture in all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, represents more than just a traditional role. He is an institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the good of our nation,” Shettima stated.
This declaration comes amid growing concerns sparked by Professor Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). Akintola raised alarms about an alleged plot by the Sokoto State Government to depose the Sultan, a move that has caused significant unrest among Nigerian Muslims.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s recent actions, including the deposition of 15 traditional rulers for various offenses, have fueled these concerns. Akintola warned that any attempt to dethrone the Sultan would be met with strong resistance from the Muslim community. “The Sultan’s stool is not only traditional. It is also religious. His jurisdiction goes beyond Sokoto, covering the whole of Nigeria. Any governor who tampers with the stool of the Sultan will have Nigerian Muslims to reckon with,” Akintola asserted.
The Sokoto State Government has yet to respond to these allegations. However, it has been indicated that there is a plan to amend section 76 of the local government and chieftaincy law to align with current practices. Nasir Binji, the state's attorney-general, explained that the proposed amendment aims to synchronize the legal framework with customary procedures. Under this amendment, while the Sultanate Council would retain the power to recommend candidates for traditional roles, the final authority to appoint would rest with the governor.
The Vice-President's strong endorsement of the Sultan underscores the broader national significance of this issue, suggesting that any move against the Sultan would have far-reaching implications for Nigerian unity and stability.
