Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State signed six new laws on Thursday, including the modified Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law, which sparked debate across the country.
The new law deprives the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, of the authority to select district and village chiefs throughout the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the governor maintained that the new legislation was not intended to witch hunt any individual or organisation but rather to strengthen the state’s government.
“We note with concern the unnecessary tension created by our proposal to amend some of these laws. Some of the reactions were politically motivated, while others were done ignorantly without care to inquire from the right quarters on the details and intention of the amendment.
“It is a known fact that in every society, laws are enacted and amended to suit the needs of time and the interests of the governed in line with the circumstances at hand.
“Previous administrations had amended one law or the other in the state with a view to giving the state laws the needed touch that would fast-track peace and development.
“Let me make it clear that the just amended laws are not meant for the witch hunt of any individual or group but rather to promote good governance and to remove the ambiguity and inconsistency with the nation’s constitution.”
The governor warned Muslim clerics against enabling “lazy politicians” to use them to achieve their political ambitions.
Aliyi stated that his administration will continue to listen to the Sokoto people’s desires and aspirations.
The governor also signed the Sokoto State Tenancy Law, the Zakkat and Waqf Law, and the Discrimination Against People with Disabilities Law.
The Muslim Rights Movement expressed worry in June over an alleged conspiracy by the Sokoto State government to depose the Sultan of Sokoto.
In response to the alarm, Vice President Kashim Shettima stated at a North-West Security Forum that the Sultan of Sokoto represented an ideology that needed to be closely preserved and projected for the nation’s development.
The Sokoto State government, however, refuted the allegation.
The state condemned MURIC for what it called a false alarm and asked Shettima to always double-check his facts before speaking on crucial national issues.
At a public hearing conducted by the state assembly, Sokoto State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Muhammad Binji, justified the attempt to change the law, claiming that the Sultan’s nomination of district heads constituted an abuse of the governor’s authority.
He said, “Section 5(2) of the Constitution stipulates that the executive power to appoint in the state is vested in the governor directly or through his deputy, commissioners, or any government agent assigned by the governor.
“So, there is no power given to the Sultanate Council to appoint. Section 76(2) of the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law gives the Sultanate Council the power to appoint district and village heads in the state, but with the approval of the sitting governor.
“So, the section is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution as amended, and therefore it cannot stand. Because the power to appoint is the executive power, who exercises the power? Is it not the governor? This is the reason for the amendment. To correct the mistake of the past.”
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Kaduna State Council of Imams and Ulama expressed its concern with the plan to deprive the Sultan of appointment power.
“We stand in solidarity with His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, and criticise any attempt to degrade or undermine the esteemed office.
“The Sultanate represents the collective identity and heritage of Nigerian Muslims, transcending state boundaries.
“We view any assault on the Sultanate as an attack on our collective dignity and faith.
“We urge all parties involved to sheath their swords and embrace peace, recognising the Sultanate’s pivotal role in promoting unity, understanding, and harmony among Muslims and Nigerians.
“We call on the authorities to respect the Sultanate’s sanctity and historical significance, ensuring its continued role as a beacon of guidance and wisdom,” the council said.
