His Excellency, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State has for the first time, responded to the allegation levelled against his Government by Muslim Rights, (MURIC) of scheming to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alh Saiadu Abubakar,
The Islamic body had on Monday, 24th June, 2024 alleged that what happened in Kano is raring it’s ugly head in Sokoto and warned that Muslims and Nigerians entirely will resist such attempt
In a swift reaction to forestall any possible action, Vice President, Kassim Shettima while speaking at the First North West Security Summit held in Katsina on Monday, 24th June, 2024 cautioned the Sokoto State government against such act. He said the Sultan, though resident in Sokoto, is an institution that represents an ideology and must be respected and guarded jealously.
According to many commentators, the VP Kassim Shettima’s warning was important and timely considering how fast the dethronement of the 14th and 15th Emirs of Kano took place, therefore, taking any chances could spell disaster. However, Gov Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto while responding on Tuesday, 25th June, 2024 through his Chief Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, urged Vice President Kashim Shettima to always verify facts before reacting or commenting on sensitive national matters.
It said the Vice President 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.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
Following the reply, Social Commentators have pointed at a breakdown of relationship between the two leaders. They wondered why Gov Ahmad Aliyu himself while condemn the VP’s statement publicly instead of practicing what he preached by reaching out to the VP privately
Gov Aliyu could be fighting for his godfather, Sen Aliyu Wamakko Magartakada, the former governor of the state whose political relationship with the VP hasn’t been cordial
