The Sokoto state government has debunked speculations by some persons and groups on plans to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
In a statement on Tuesday, a spokesman for the state government, Abubakar Bawa, condemned the report describing it as plans “to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council”.
The statement also describes the speculations as baseless and false, assuring the Muslim community that there is no plot to dethrone the Sultan, who also doubles as the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
Bawa said the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state “cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council”.
“The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so revered to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem”
Subsequently, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday said the throne of the Sultan is an institution that must be protected.
Specifically addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Gobir, at the North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State on Monday, the Vice President said, “In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here.
“And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea, he is an institution, that all of us in this country need to jealousy guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the growth of our nation.”
RN
