By HABIBU HARISU

Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state says his relationship with the Sultanate Council remain cordial and urged the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) and Vice President Kassim Shettima, to disregard mischievous groups.

This is contained in a statement issued by Aliyu’s spokesman, Malam Abubakar Bawa, on Tuesday in Sokoto.

He said MURIC’s allegation on a plan by the state government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, was baseless and unfounded.

“It is an attempt by mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate false and unsubstantiated information, just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.

“We assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state, cherishes and respect the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.

“The Sultanate Council which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem, ” Aliyu said.

According to him, the relationship between the present administration and the Sultanate Council led by respected traditional ruler, Abubakar has been very cordial.

Aliyu added that his administration always consulted with Sultan on issues affecting the state and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

He noted that the sacking and transfer of some District Heads made by Sokoto state government was done due some unbecoming behaviours by the affected traditional rulers which they exhibited.

Meanwhile, Aliyu urged Vice President Shettima, to disregard the false information on the issue of removal of the Sultan.

“The Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to, we never denied him any of his freedom or rights.

“We do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan, it is our sole responsibility.

“The government and People of Sokoto state cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution”. Aliyu said.

NAN reports that Shettima had on Monday while delivering his speech at the ongoing North West Peace & Security Summit in Katsina State said: “The Sultan 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.

“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 jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation,” Shettima said. (NAN)

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