Breaking News: Sokoto Assembly Passes Controversial Bill to Strip Sultan’s Powers, Details Emerge
Tension as Sokoto Assembly Passes Bill to Strip Sultan’s Power.
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has swiftly moved through the first and second readings of a bill set to significantly reduce the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. This development has sparked tension across the state, given the Sultan’s traditional and religious significance.
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Under the proposed Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill, the Sultan would lose the power to unilaterally appoint kingmakers and district heads, a role he has held for years. Instead, these appointments would require state government approval, marking a substantial shift in the region’s traditional power dynamics.
The urgency of the bill’s progression has not gone unnoticed. Just two days prior, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) raised alarms about an alleged plot by Governor Ahmed Aliyu to depose the Sultan. Professor Isiaq Akintola, MURIC’s executive director, voiced grave concerns over the state’s intentions, especially in light of the recent deposition of five monarchs in Kano State.
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“The Sultan’s role is not confined to Sokoto alone; he is a spiritual leader for all Muslims in Nigeria,” Akintola emphasized, highlighting the broader implications of the bill.
Adding to the tension, Governor Aliyu recently deposed 15 traditional rulers for various offenses, a move that has only intensified the scrutiny on his administration’s actions. Vice President Kashim Shettima has also weighed in, cautioning against any attempts to undermine the Sultan’s position. He stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the institution.
In response to the allegations, the state government has denied any plans to depose the Sultan, asserting that the legislative changes do not alter the fundamental structure of the traditional leadership.
The Sultan of Sokoto, known for his outspoken views on regional security issues, recently stated that it could take decades to eradicate banditry in the northwest. He called for a united front in combating the menace, reaffirming the commitment of traditional rulers to support this fight.
As the bill awaits its final reading, all eyes are on the Sokoto State House of Assembly to see how this legislative drama will unfold and what it will mean for the region’s future governance.
