The Sokoto State government has clarified that the Sultan of Sokoto lacks constitutional authority to appoint officials.
Speaking at a public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law of 2008, Commissioner of Justice Barrister Nasiru Binji stated that the current Chieftaincy law contradicts the Nigerian Constitution.
Binji explained that Section 76(2) of the Chieftaincy law is inconsistent with Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. "Section 5(2) of the Constitution stipulates that the executive power to appoint in the state is vested in the Governor directly or through his deputy, commissioners, or any government agent assigned by the Governor," he said.
The existing law grants the Sultanate Council the power to appoint district and village heads in the state, but with the Governor's approval. This provision, according to Binji, is unconstitutional and needs amendment. "The power to appoint is an executive power, and it is exercised by the Governor. This amendment aims to correct past mistakes," he added.
Additionally, the bill proposes extending the tenure of local government chairmen to three years to enhance their performance.
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