The Centre for the Promotion of Sharia has expressed significant concern over attempts by the Sokoto State Government to interfere with the Sultanate Council. The Centre emphasized that the Sultan represents a belief system and heritage established by Sheikh Uthman Danfodio, which must be protected and promoted.
NewsNow recalls that the Sokoto State House of Assembly recently passed a bill stripping the Sultan of Sokoto of the power to appoint district heads without the authorization of the state governor.
Prominent figures, including MURIC Director Professor Akintola, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Shehu Sani, have voiced similar concerns.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Chairman, Aliyu Ibrahim Altukri, the Centre stated, “We are stakeholders in the Sultanate institution and we object to any political office holder interfering with it.” The statement stressed that the Sultanate is not an institution exclusive to the Sokoto State government but a revered position in which all Nigerian Muslims have a stake.
The Centre also commended the Sokoto State Government for clarifying that it has no intention of diminishing the Sultanate’s authority and affirmed that it holds the Sultanate in high regard and esteem.
Furthermore, the Centre warned groups calling for the arrest of MURIC Director Professor Akintola to desist from misleading leaders. It reminded them that the role of civil society organizations is to protect the populace from exploitative tendencies.
