LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Shettima’s statement came in response to concerns raised by Prof. Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), who alleged a plot by the Sokoto government to depose the Sultan.
According to Shettima, the Sultanate is a vital institution that requires careful safeguarding and preservation.
In a statement on Monday, Akintola asserted that Nigerian Muslims would vehemently oppose any notion of deposing the Sultan, particularly following the state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu’s, deposition of 15 traditional rulers for diverse infractions.
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Addressing the North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State, Shettima conveyed to the Sokoto government that the Sultan embodies more than mere monarchy, emphasizing his role as a symbol of a broader ideal.
The vice president emphasized the importance of the Sultan and other traditional rulers in the country actively safeguarding, promoting, and preserving the nation’s progress.
He said, “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.
“And 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 jealousy guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the growth of our nation.”