Have facts before judging sensitive issues, Sokoto Govt replies Shettima over Sultan

The Sokoto State Government has challenged the vice president Kashim Shettima, to ensure he always have facts before commenting on issues of national importance.

On Monday,  Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), had alleged that the state government was planning to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto after deposing 15 traditional rulers.

Speaking at the ‘Inaugural North West Peace and Security Summit’ in Katsina, Shettima had warned the Sokoto State Government, saying the Sultan must be protected. The vice president warned that the Sultan is more than just a traditional ruler but an idea.

“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,” Shettima had said.

“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.”

Responding to the warning, the state government said Shetiima should have contacted governor Ahmed Aliyu to verify the news which made rounds on the purported plan to depose Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar before going public.

In a statement signed by the spokesman of governor, Aliyu, Abubakar Bawa, the government urged the vice president to always have full knowledge of issues of national concern before commenting on them.

“We sincerely expected the Vice President to have consulted the Governor before going public.

“As an elder statesman and a father to all he should have facts and figures before judging on issues raised by mischief makers and the mushroom social media handlers known for negative propaganda.

“The fact of the matter is that there was never any attempt to sack the Sultan nor have we sent him any threat regarding that.

“Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to. We never denied him any of his freedom or rights .

“We therefore do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan. It is our sole responsibility.

“The government and People of Sokoto cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution. The Government to this end reassures all Nigerians that, it will continue to protect the sultanate council and its dignity at all times,” the statement read.