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“Guard Sultan Jealously” – Shettima Warns Sokoto Govt Amidst Deposition Rumors

Published

6 months ago

Jun 25, 2024.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the Sokoto State government to guard His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, jealously.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Shettima issued this public warning amidst alleged deposition attempt by the state government.

Speaking at the North West Peace & Security Summit on Monday, the Vice President emphasized the importance of the Sultan of Sokoto, describing him as an institution that represents an idea crucial for the nation’s development.

File image of Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III

“In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognize and appreciate all our royal fathers present here,” Shettima stated.

Addressing the deputy governor of Sokoto, he added, “Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea, he is an institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation.”

Shettima’s remarks came after Prof. Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), alleged that the Sokoto government is plotting to depose the Sultan.

This follows Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s recent deposition of 15 traditional rulers for various offences.

Sokoto Govt Breaks Silence Over Alleged Plan To Dethrone Sultan

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has denied allegations of a plot to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.

This denial follows claims made by Prof. Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), who on Monday warned that the state government was planning to remove the Sultan.Akintola’s alarm was based on the removal of 15 traditional rulers by Governor Ahmed Aliyu in April, citing various offenses.

In a statement, Akintola expressed concern over the strained relationship between the governor and the Sultan, urging the governor to exercise restraint and respect the traditional institution.

File image of Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu

He emphasized that any action against the Sultan would be met with resistance from Nigerian Muslims, given the Sultan’s significant role as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims and the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

Responding to these allegations, Sokoto’s Commissioner of Information, Danchadi, dismissed the claims as baseless, attributing them to the imagination of MURIC and oppositions in the state.

Danchadi clarified that the government’s actions were being misinterpreted and linked to the political situation in Kano.

He explained that the state is merely streamlining traditional laws, with a bill to be presented to the Assembly soon.

He assured that the recent changes involving traditional rulers were not removals but adjustments to ensure proper appointments.

Danchadi reiterated that the traditional council nominates leaders, and the government only approves these nominations.

He emphasized that the government’s actions have no connection to the Sultanate and urged calm, affirming there is no intention to interfere with the Sultan’s position.

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