The Sokoto State Government in Nigeria has denied allegations that it plans to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, government spokesman Abubakar Bawa criticized what he termed “baseless and false” speculations aimed at tarnishing the relationship between the state government and the Sultanate Council.
He condemned campaigns to “smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council.”
The refutation comes in response to claims by the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) about a plot to dethrone the Sultan. Vice President Kashim Shettima also addressed the issue, emphasizing that “the throne of the Sultan is an institution that must be jealously guarded and protected.”
Speaking at the North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State on Monday, Shettima stated, “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.”
The Sokoto State Government reiterated its high regard for the Sultanate. “The Sultanate Council, which has a longstanding historical importance, is so revered by all the people of Sokoto State; therefore, we still hold the institution in very high regard and esteem,” Bawa said. He added that the relationship between Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration and the Sultanate Council under Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III “has been very cordial.”
Regarding the recent actions against some District Heads, Bawa explained, “MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were accused of some unbecoming behaviors, such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity, as well as insubordination to the constituted authority.”
“In order to give them fair hearing, the committee summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report advising the government on what to do. It was based on that, and in the public interest, that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee,” He stated.
