By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
On Monday, the Arewa Cultural Heritage Network said the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, is disloyal and should be made to carry his own cross.
The group addressed the recent remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the North West Peace and Security Summit where he urged that the Sultan should not be removed.
His statement ignited a firestorm of controversy. His comments about the Sokoto State Government and the status of he Sultan of Sokoto prompted a swift response from the Network.
The Network’s spokesperson, Yunusa Abdullahi said in a statement made available to Irohinoodua that the Vice President’s concerns should respect the autonomy of Sokoto State, especially concerning its traditional leadership and governance.
There have been speculations that the Sultan of Sokoto may be removed by the Sokoto State Government.
The Network highlighted Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for his diligent exercise of constitutional responsibilities.
He said his recent decision to depose several traditional rulers was based on serious allegations of negligence, disloyalty, and disrespect towards the state government.
He said the decisions, although controversial, were necessary for the state’s best interests.
The position of the network appears to be a clear indication of plots to remove the Sultan. The nature of his ‘disloyalty’ is unclear to Irohinoodua.
The network highlighted, “The Sultan of Sokoto, despite his esteemed position, has been found guilty of neglecting his palace duties, showing disloyalty, and demonstrating a lack of respect towards the current administration.” Furthermore, His open support for the PDP candidate in the last election, contrary to the electorate’s mandate for Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, had exacerbated tensions. The Sultan’s actions were seen as undermining the government’s efforts, making cooperation difficult.
The Arewa Cultural Heritage Network firmly urged the Vice President and other federal officials to avoid interfering in Sokoto’s internal governance. They stressed that Governor Sokoto was within his rights to make decisions that aligned with both the constitutional framework and the welfare of the state. Furthermore, they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to ensure that the Vice President respected the boundaries of state governance, allowing Sokoto State to operate without undue federal interference.
The proposed amendment to section 76 of the local government and chieftaincy law was also addressed. This amendment aimed to harmonize legal frameworks with customary procedures in Sokoto, clarifying roles and responsibilities within the state to ensure smooth governance. The authority to appoint district and village heads would ultimately rest with the Governor, although still involving recommendations from the Sultanate Council. This balance of traditional and contemporary practices was seen as a path to greater stability and progress.
