The Sokoto State government has responded to what it describes as a “malicious and fabricated publication” by the Muslims Rights Concern.
The publication allegedly accuses the state government of plotting to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Governor Abubakar Bawa’s press secretary made this response known in a statement available to journalists on Tuesday.
Bawa expressed astonishment that an organization like MURIC, which claims to protect the rights of Muslims, would collaborate with what he called “deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress” to fabricate such a baseless story.
He argued that the allegations were intended to create fear and an unfriendly atmosphere among the peaceful citizens of Sokoto State.
Bawa stated, “We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year.”
He further emphasized, “We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.”
Bawa reiterated the deep reverence the people of Sokoto State have for the Sultanate Council, saying, “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.”
He noted that this was not the first instance of such fabricated stories attempting to sow discord between the state government and the Sultanate Council, citing a similar incident a few months ago which the state government also condemned and denied.
“From the look of things, those nefarious detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council,” he said.
Bawa criticized MURIC for not verifying the truth of the allegations, stating, “MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government.”
He also highlighted the state government’s commitment to Islamic affairs, mentioning that it is a key component of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Agenda. “It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions,” he asserted.
Bawa emphasized that the idea of the current administration engaging in activities detrimental to Islam is both unfair and unjustifiable. He affirmed, “To put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been very cordial.”
He noted that the administration frequently consults with the Sultan on state matters, respecting and incorporating his contributions into policy implementation.
Addressing the issue of the recent sacking and transfer of some District Heads, Bawa explained that these actions were taken due to serious allegations against the officials, including land racketeering, aiding insecurity, and insubordination.
He mentioned that a committee was set up to investigate the accusations, and it subsequently provided a whitepaper report with recommendations. The state government acted on these recommendations, Bawa said, in the public interest.
“It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore, the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they saw, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest,” he concluded.
