Mixed Reactions Trail Sokoto Traditional Rulers’ Probe Panel

A cross section of residents in Sokoto State have expressed mixed feelings over the activities of the investigative panel constituted by the state government inviting traditional rulers across the state.

The panel headed by former police affairs minister, Maigari Dingyadi, is mandated to review the appointments of some traditional rulers and the renaming of some tertiary Institutions.

It was gathered that no fewer than 20 high ranking district heads and other categories of traditional rulers were so far invited by the committee and questioned over complaints that emanated from their subjects.

A letter signed by committee secretary, Dr Umar Yabo, sighted by our correspondent, indicated that monarchs were asked to testify on their alleged roles from the complaints as well as offer useful hints on some activities.

The letter showed that the panel was named ”Committee for the review of traditional rulers appointment, renaming of tertiary institutions, dissolution of governing boards of agencies and parastatals.”

It was gathered that five members of the Sultanate Council, from Binji, Yabo, Kilgori, Wamakko and Sabon Birni along with 15 district heads have appeared before the panel.

Some of the invited personalities that pleaded for anonymity, said the alleged complainers remained faceless while the activities questioned were the public trust entrusted in them by the immediate past administration in the state.

Speaking on the allegation that the investigation is targeted at traditional rulers that did not support the ruling party in the last general election, a resident, Malam Umar Alkammawa, expressed doubts over the credibility of the committee and described it as a kangaroo committee that has no legal backing.

Alkammawa alleged that all the panel members were politicians including the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman, Sadiq-Achida, a situation that suggests political undertones.