The Sokoto State Government has said it has no plan whatsoever to depose the Sultan of Sokoto as reported in a section of the media on Monday.
In dispelling the report, Governor Ahmad Aliyu through his spokesperson person Abubakara Bawa on Tuesday explained that relationship between him and the Sultanate Council remains cordial.
The governor therefore, urged the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) that raised the alarm of a planned removal by the state government and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who cautioned on the matter to disregard “the mischievous groups” behind the story.
MURIC had raised the alarm of a purported plan by the state government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The governor said in the statement that “it is an attempt by mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate false and unsubstantiated information, just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.
“We assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state, cherishes and respect the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.
“The Sultanate Council which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem, ” the governor said.
Governor Aliyu said his administration always consults with Sultan on issues affecting the state and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation, adding that the sacking and transfer of some District Heads by Sokoto state government was due some to some unbecoming behaviours by the affected traditional rulers which they exhibited.
Governor Aliyu urged Vice President Shettima to disregard the false information on the removal of the Sultan, saying “the Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to, we never denied him any of his freedom or rights.
“We do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan, it is our sole responsibility.
“The government and People of Sokoto state cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution” . Aliyu said.
