The Sokoto State House of Assembly has advanced the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill, passing it through the first and second readings.
If enacted, this bill will curtail the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, by stripping him of the power to appoint kingmakers and district heads without government approval.
This legislative move follows recent concerns raised by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, expressed alarm over an alleged plan by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to depose the Sultan.
Prof. Akintola emphasized the Sultan’s dual role as both a traditional and religious leader, representing Nigerian Muslims nationwide as their spiritual head. The Sultan’s influence extends well beyond Sokoto, making any changes to his powers highly significant.
Governor Aliyu had previously removed 15 traditional rulers for various offences. This backdrop has fueled speculation and concern over the potential implications of the amendment bill.
In response to these developments, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Peoples Democratic Party have issued warnings against any alleged plot to remove the Sultan. They stress the importance of maintaining stability and respect for traditional institutions.
The Sokoto State government has denied any intentions to dethrone the Sultan. State Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, clarified that the existing law governing the appointment of traditional rulers remains unchanged.
