A white paper officially released by the Sokoto State government has exonerated the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki from allegations that led to his deposition in 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha.
The decision, based on a thorough investigation and detailed findings by an authorised committee, marks a crucial turning point in the case that has overshadowed the late Sultan’s legacy for nearly three decades.
The committee led by the former secretary to the military government and head of service, the late Muhammadu Jega, conducted a comprehensive study and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the government’s action against the late Sultan.
Their analysis concluded that there was no evidence to support any incriminating acts that would justify his deposition and further highlighted the denial of the Sultan’s right to defend himself as required by the laws of the land.
Announcing the decision on behalf of the state government, the state commissioner for information, Hon Akibu Dalhatu, and the attorney general and commissioner of Justice, Barr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), revealed that the white paper adopted the committee’s recommendation.
“The white paper adopted the recommendation of the committee, which said that the Late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki should be officially exonerated and cleared of any wrongdoing for posterity and paid all entitlements for the years he served as Sultan of Sokoto in accordance with laws pertaining to such entitlements,” they said.
They added that the approval of the white paper by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal during the sitting of the State Executive Council on May 25, 2023, demonstrated empathy and recognition for the late 18th Sultan of Sokoto.
The announcement has been met with widespread relief and satisfaction among the people of Sokoto, who closely followed the developments of the case. Supporters of Sultan Dasuki, who steadfastly maintained his innocence, feel that their unwavering faith in his character and integrity has been unequivocally justified.
The news of Sultan Dasuki’s exoneration is reverberating throughout the state, bringing a renewed sense of hope and closure to his family and well-wishers.
The government’s commitment to securing his legacy and addressing the suffering endured by his loved ones through the provision of long-overdue benefits is seen as a significant step towards healing and reconciliation.
Sultan Dasuki, who served as the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, passed away in November 2016 at the age of 92.
Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has approved the renaming of eight state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision, according to the state’s commissioner for information, Hon. Akibu Dalhatu, “was inspired by the administration’s profound reverence for the memories and accomplishments of Sokoto State’s esteemed heroes.”
The commissioner stated that the State Executive Council approved the decision at its session.
“The state government firmly believes that these personalities merit the utmost respect and perpetual remembrance for their contributions to various aspects of humanity.”
The public institutions renamed are Sokoto State University, which has been renamed Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio University, in honour of Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio; Sokoto State University of Education, renamed Shehu Shagari University of Education in honour of former president Shehu Shagari; the College of Education, renamed Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki College of Education in honour of Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki; and the newly constructed Teaching Hospital, named Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Teaching Hospital in honour of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Others are the College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, renamed Ambassador Shehu Malami College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences in honour of Ambassador Shehu Malami; the College of Nursing Sciences, renamed Balaraba Buda College of Nursing Sciences in honour of Balaraba Buda; the College of Midwifery, renamed Aisha Ahmad Gandi College of Midwifery in honour of Aisha Ahmad Gandi; College of Legal and Islamic Studies, renamed Haliru Binji College of Legal and Islamic Studies, in honour of Sheikh Haliru Binji.
Hon Dalhatu said that Governor Tambuwal is renowned for his unwavering commitment to promoting education and that “this decision is a collective determination to preserve the heritage of the state and to inspire future generations to emulate accomplished figures who have left an indelible mark on society.”
Tambuwal extended heartfelt call to all the citizens of Sokoto State to embrace this momentous decision with open hearts and receptive minds.
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