The Sokoto government has asked Vice-President Kashim Shettima to always cross check facts before going public.
At the inaugural north-west security summit in Katsina on Monday, Shettima said the Sultan of Sokoto represents an idea that must be jealously guarded and projected for the growth of the nation.
“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,” Shettima had said.
Prior to the vice-president’s remark, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had alleged that the Sokoto government is plotting to dethrone Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto.
MURIC had asked Ahmad Aliyu, governor of Sokoto, to exercise restraint and not tamper with the traditional and religious institution of the Sultan.
In a statement on Tuesday, Abubakar Bawa, chief press secretary to the Sokoto governor, said the state government never attempted to dethrone the Sultan as speculated.
“The Sokoto state government has called on our Vice-President Kashim Shettima to always cross check facts before commenting on sensitive national matters,” the statement reads.
“We sincerely expected the Vice-President to have consulted the governor before going public.
“The state government urges Vice-President Shettima as No 2 citizen to have a full knowledge on issues of national concern before commenting on them.
“As an elder statesman and a father to all, he should have facts and figures before judging on issues raised by mischief makers and the mushroom social media handlers known for negative propaganda.
“The fact of the matter is that there was never any attempt to sack the Sultan nor have we sent him any threat regarding that.
“Sultan enjoys all the powers he is entitled to. We never denied him any of his freedom or rights.
“We, therefore, do not need to be told to guard, protect, and promote the Sultan. It is our sole responsibility.
“The government and people of Sokoto cherish and adore the sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution.”
