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| Sokoto Governor Accused of Intending to Remove Sultan – MURIC |
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sounded the alarm about an alleged intention by Sokoto State's Governor Ahmed Aliyu to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Prof. Isiaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, expressed this concern in a statement released on Monday.
This news emerges amidst the ongoing disputes and tensions surrounding the removal of several monarchs in Kano State.
Previously, Governor Aliyu had removed 15 traditional rulers citing various infractions.
In his declaration, Akintola emphasized that Nigerian Muslims are opposed to any idea of removing the Sultan.
"Rumors suggest that the governor might target the Sultan of Sokoto soon, possibly using similar pretexts to those employed in the earlier removal of 15 traditional rulers.
"MURIC cautions the governor to consider the consequences carefully. The Sultan's position is not merely traditional; it holds religious significance as well. Moreover, his influence extends beyond Sokoto, covering the entire nation. He is the spiritual leader of all Nigerian Muslims.
"Hence, any governor who interferes with the Sultan's position will face the collective response of Nigerian Muslims because the Sultan holds the dual role of Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the NSCIA," stated Akintola.
The director of MURIC warned Governor Aliyu against compelling Nigerian Muslims to resort to extreme revolutionary actions.
He noted that the acceptance of a traditional ruler as a leader is a longstanding concession by Nigerian Muslims, seen as an inherent flaw within the system that they have agreed to tolerate.
He remarked, "The vulnerability was revealed when military governor Col. Yakubu Muazu deposed Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki on April 20, 1996. If the Sokoto governors persist in undermining the Sultan's authority, Nigerian Muslims may be pushed towards a tough choice.
"To dispel any doubts, Sultan Muhammad Sa’d Abubakar is not only the Sultan of Sokoto but also the Sultan of all Nigerians. His leadership qualities and approach have endeared him to the Nigerian populace.
"Nigerian Muslims, from the north to the south, might feel compelled to only select Islamic scholars as the President General of the NSCIA and as the overall leader of Nigerian Muslims.
"This would mark the end of traditional rulers' leadership over the NSCIA and signify a definitive shift away from Sokoto's privileged status. History will remember Col. Yakubu Muazu and Ahmed Aliyu unfavorably for compromising Sokoto's opportunities.
"An occurrence is chance, a repetition is a pattern, and a third instance is hostile action. Should the removal of a Sultan and NSCIA leader occur again, Nigerian Muslims will prevent a third instance of such an indignity.
"MURIC reasserts its plea to the Sokoto State House of Assembly to amend or revoke the state's chieftaincy laws by incorporating the clause 'except the Sultan of Sokoto' into Section 6, Cap 26 of the Laws of Northern Nigeria, which grants the state governor the power to remove emirs, including the Sultan.
"We call upon the northern elite and Islamic scholars in the region to act before it's too late. Now is the time to engage with the Sokoto State House of Assembly and the governor. If Kano State's chieftaincy laws could be annulled in a day, there's no reason Sokoto State's can't be revised promptly to grant immunity to the Sultan's office, thereby sparing Nigerian Muslims significant disgrace."
The Daily Trust has noted that the Sokoto State Government has not yet responded to MURIC's claim. However, it previously announced plans to modify section 76 of the local government and chieftaincy law to better reflect the state's current practices.
As it stands, the Sultanate Council is legally responsible for appointing district and village heads.
In practice, though, the Sultanate Council's role has been advisory, proposing candidates to the state government, which ultimately makes the appointments.
Nasir Binji, the state's attorney-general and commissioner for justice, has stated that the intended amendment seeks to align the legal framework with Sokoto's customary practices.
Speaking to reporters after a State Executive Council session, Binji detailed that with the proposed changes, the Sultanate Council would maintain its advisory role in recommending candidates, while the appointment authority would rest with the governor.
