The coalition of 33 Muslim Groups and Associations in Nigeria have called on the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, to respect the revered position of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, National President, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) who spoke on behalf of the Muslim Community at a press conference in Abuja said the recent development in Sokoto is a grave concern and utmost importance.
He said that the alleged plot by the Government of Sokoto State to depose, undermine the influence and authority of the revered Sultan by tampering with the laws regulating the administration of the Sultanate, will not be in the best interest of Sokoto State, its government and the Muslims at large.
In his words: “Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, being the spiritual head of more than 150 million Muslims in Nigeria, Niger, Mali and other places, is a symbol of unity, wisdom, and leadership, and he has been a beacon of hope and guidance for our people. His deposition would not only be a travesty of justice but also a threat to the very fabric of our society.
Balogun recalled that despite the intervention of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Government of Sokoto, Governor Aliyu denied, yet continued the process of a Bill for the Amendment of Sultanate Council Law in the State House of Assembly.
He highlighted that the presence of the Sultan in Sokoto made Sokoto the Makkah of Nigerian Muslim leaders from all the geo-political zones.
“Very important personalities in the country visit Sokoto to pay homage to this great Muslim leader and the government of Sokoto state. Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, has made the Sultanate a celebrated seat, a pride and reference to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and beyond. He has successfully amalgamated the Northern and Southern Muslim dichotomy that today Muslims from all over the country can proudly say, we have a leader,” he noted.
The Muslim Community advised the Governor to build on the legacies of past administrations in empowering the Sultan and make him a true Sarki of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
The group, however called on President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene by ensuring that the 200 years old Sultanate is protected from the control of politics, power and government.