MURIC Raises Fresh Alarm: Sokoto Govt Still Targeting Sultan

Despite denials from the Sokoto State government regarding a plan to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised fresh concerns that the Sultan remains a target.

MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, stated on Wednesday that the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill, which has already passed its first and second readings, aims to strip the Sultan of significant powers if enacted.

This development follows allegations from MURIC that Governor Ahmed Aliyu is orchestrating the Sultan’s removal, a claim bolstered by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments urging protection and promotion of the Sultanate institution. Despite the government’s denial, Akintola condemned the proposed amendment as a bid to undermine the Sultan’s influence.

Akintola criticized the bill, stating, “The bill is outrageous, nauseating, and anachronistic. It is a direct attack on the traditional institution of Sokoto State. Instead of entrenching the powers of the Sultan, it is an undisguised attempt at weakening his authority.”

He further accused Governor Aliyu of attempting to dismantle the Sultanate Council and establish a government-controlled body, citing the removal of 15 traditional rulers in a single day as evidence of this strategy.

“Nigerian Muslims are already asking, ‘Why the rush?’ Why are they rushing the bill if there is no hidden agenda? The whole exercise is suggestive of political motivation,” Akintola stated.

He called for a non-partisan investigation into the removal of the traditional rulers and criticized the lack of transparency in the government’s actions.

“The state government denied any plan to remove the Sultan, but the sudden interest in hijacking the Sultanate Council is clear. This is a manifestation of a strange crave for absolute power,” Akintola concluded, urging Sokoto lawmakers to address this “disturbing development.”