The Sokoto state government has declared that the Sultan of Sokoto lacks the constitutional power to appoint anyone. Speaking during a public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law 2008, the state's Commissioner of Justice, Nasiru Binji, said the law that empowers the Sultan to appoint anyone contravenes the 1999 constitution.
According to Binji, the executive bill sent to the house of assembly seeks to correct the “mistake”. He cited Section 5(2) of the constitution, which states that the executive power to appoint in the state is vested on the governor directly or through his deputy, commissioners, or any government agent assigned by the governor. He emphasized that the power to appoint is the executive power, and it is exercised by the governor, not the sultanate council.
The commissioner further explained that 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. He argued that this section is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution as amended and, therefore, cannot stand.
The declaration by the Sokoto government comes amidst allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that the state government was plotting to depose Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto. However, the Sokoto government has denied these allegations, stating that there is no attempt to remove the sultan.
The controversy has sparked reactions from various quarters, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima calling on the Sokoto State government to ensure the safety and security of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III. Shettima emphasized the importance of protecting the sultan as a revered leader and a symbol of national unity.
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has also passed the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill through the first and second readings. The amendment bill, if passed into law, will strip the Sultan of Sokoto of powers to appoint the kingmakers and to appoint district heads without government approval.
The development highlights the ongoing debate about the powers of traditional rulers in Nigeria and their relationship with the government.