The Traffic

"VP Shettima Sounds Warning: Hands Off the Sultan of Sokoto!"

Yakubu Haruna

Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a stern warning to the Sokoto State government: hands off the Sultan of Sokoto! Shettima's plea came during the North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State, amid concerns raised by Prof. Isiaq Akintola of MURIC about an alleged plot to depose the Sultan.

The Vice President emphasized the Sultan's critical role as a national institution, representing an idea and an institution that transcends Sokoto. He cautioned the Sokoto government to recognize the Sultan's significance and avoid any actions that might undermine his position.

Prof. Akintola had warned that the Sokoto government might target the Sultan next, using the same pretexts employed to dethrone 15 traditional rulers. He stressed that Nigerian Muslims would strongly oppose any attempt to depose the Sultan, whose role extends beyond Sokoto as the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims.

The Sokoto State government has yet to respond to MURIC's allegations, but the proposed amendment to the local government and chieftaincy law aims to synchronize the legal framework with customary procedures in Sokoto.

The Sultan of Sokoto's position is highly significant in Nigeria, and his influence extends beyond Sokoto, affecting the entire Nigerian Muslim community. This dual role highlights the importance of safeguarding the Sultanate from political and administrative turbulence.

VP Shettima's warning serves as a reminder of the Sultan's critical role and the need to protect this national institution from any potential harm