The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill through its first and second readings.
This amendment bill, if enacted, would notably strip the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, of key powers, including the ability to appoint kingmakers and district heads without government approval.
This move comes on the heels of a statement from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which raised alarms about an alleged plan by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu to depose the Sultan. MURIC's Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, expressed deep concern over this potential action, highlighting the Sultan’s significant traditional and religious role, not only within Sokoto but for all Nigerian Muslims as their spiritual leader.
The controversy surrounding this bill is intensified by recent events in Kano State, where several monarchs were deposed, adding to the tension. Governor Aliyu has previously removed 15 traditional rulers for various offenses, further fueling speculations and concerns about his intentions.
Reacting to these developments, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have cautioned against any attempts to remove the Sultan. The Sokoto State government, however, has firmly denied any such plans. State Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, emphasized that the existing laws governing the appointment of traditional rulers have not been altered.
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