Vice President Shettima reacts to plot to dethrone Sultan of Sokoto

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged the Sokoto State government to protect His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, emphasizing the importance of his role.

Speaking at the North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State, Shettima highlighted the Sultan’s significance not just to Sokoto, but to the entire nation.

Shettima’s remarks came after Professor Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), raised concerns about a possible move by the Sokoto government to depose the Sultan.

Akintola warned against such actions, noting the Sultan’s combined traditional and religious authority as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.

He cautioned that any attempt to dethrone the Sultan would meet with strong resistance from the Muslim community nationwide.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State had previously removed 15 traditional rulers for various offenses, which has sparked fears of further actions against the Sultan.

Akintola advised the governor to reconsider any plans against the Sultan, underscoring the broad implications for Nigerian Muslims.