The Sokoto State Government has denied any plot to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, describing it as false and baseless.
Persecondnews reported that the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) raised the alarm on Monday through Prof. Isiaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, that the state government was planning to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, allegedly following the precedent set in Kano, where 15 traditional rulers were recently removed from their positions for various infractions.
But the State’s Commissioner for Information and Societal Reorientation, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, in a swift reaction on Tuesday, described the allegations as “false and baseless” and reassured that the government has no plans to dethrone the Sultan.
Sambo clarified that the legislation governing the appointment and removal of traditional rulers in Sokoto State remains unchanged and has not been repealed or amended in any way, emphasizing that the established procedures and protocols are still in effect.
In a statement, Akintola warned that the Muslim community in Nigeria, which reveres the Sultan as their spiritual leader, would vehemently oppose and resist any adverse actions.
The Islamic organization also expressed its concern regarding the reportedly strained relationship between the Sokoto state government and the Sultan, urging for a harmonious resolution.
He said: “Any governor who tampers with the stool of the Sultan will have Nigerian Muslims to reckon with because the Sultan combines the office of the Sultan of Sokoto and that of the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.”
In response to MURIC’s alarm, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that the Sultan is a revered institution deserving of the Muslim community’s collective protection and vigilance.
He said the Sultan’s position must be safeguarded, protected, and respected by all.
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