Following the speculations of plans by the Sokoto State government to dethrone the Sultan,
Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the attendant reactions it has been generating from several quarters across the country, the Sultanate Council has eventually come out to clear the air on the matter, saying there is no issues between the governor and the Sultan.
Speaking at the opening of the public hearing on the proposed amendment of Sokoto State Local Government Law 2008, which is the premise to which the Sultan would be deposed, the Sa’in Kilgori, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, said the amendment would not strip the Sultan of his powers or functions.
Kilgori who is district head of Kilgori and council member of the Sultanate, explained that contrary to speculations, there is no issue between the Sultan of Sokoto and the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu.
He said the Sultanate is aware of some enemies who are eager to create problem between the sultanate and the Sokoto State government.
“There is no issue between the Sultan and Governor Ahmed Aliyu at all. The Sultanate is ready to operate under any law elected through due process. We have operated under different laws in the past and we are ready to operate under the new law.
“The Sultanate has operated under the law proposed for amendment for the period of 16 years. The Sultanate is ready to work hand in hand with government,” he said.
Why the amendment had earlier generated tension and speculation, and many thought it was targeted at the Sultan was because if amended, the power of appointing district and village heads would be vested only in the governor, while the Sultan’s power would be reduced to recommendation of persons to be appointed for the two positions.
Therefore, it was believed that the amendment will reduce the power of the Sultan.
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