Vice President Shettima Defends Sultan of Sokoto Amidst Deposition Rumors

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of the Sultan of Sokoto’s throne, referring to it as an institution that must be jealously guarded and protected.

This statement was made at the North-West Peace and Security Summit held in Katsina State earlier today. This came amidst talks about an alleged plot by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration in Sokoto State to depose the Sultan, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, along with other traditional rulers in the state.

Addressing these concerns, Vice President Shettima, who spoke shortly after the Sultan at the summit, stressed the Sultan’s significance beyond his role as a monarch.

“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 said, specifically addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Gobir, who was in attendance.

“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 jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation,” Shettima asserted.

The Vice President’s remarks come at a time of significant tension surrounding traditional leadership in Nigeria, particularly with the ongoing tussle for the Kano emirship.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has not officially responded to these rumours, but the Vice President’s firm stance indicates a clear federal position.

Vice President Kashim Shettima sends a strong message to Sokoto State government not to try the scenario of Kano in Sokoto pic.twitter.com/J8YqFD4B1R

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) June 24, 2024

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