The Sokoto State Government has firmly denied speculations that Governor Ahmed Aliyu plans to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, from his position.
In a statement on Tuesday, Abubakar Bawa, a spokesman for the state government, condemned what he called campaigns to undermine the harmonious relationship between the state government and the Sultanate Council.
This clarification follows allegations from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which claimed a plot to dethrone the Sultan.
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In response, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the importance of protecting the Sultan’s throne. Addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Gobir, at the North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State, Shettima said, “The Sultan is more than just the Sultan of Sokoto; he represents an idea and an institution that we must protect and promote for the growth of our nation.”
The Sokoto State Government described MURIC’s accusations as baseless and false, assuring the Muslim community that there is no plot to dethrone the Sultan, who also serves as the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
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Bawa highlighted the longstanding respect and reverence the current and previous administrations have held for the Sultanate Council, even before MURIC was established.
“The Sultanate Council holds significant historical importance and is revered by all the people of Sokoto State. The relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been very cordial,” Bawa stated.
He also noted that the state government consistently consults the Sultan on state issues and values his contributions and insights.
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Addressing the recent dismissal and transfer of some district heads in Sokoto State, Bawa explained that the actions were based on accusations of misconduct, including land racketeering, aiding insecurity, and insubordination.
He emphasized that the affected district heads were given fair hearings, and the state government acted on the recommendations of a whitepaper committee to serve the public interest.