A coalition of 33 Muslim groups and associations in Nigeria, known as the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing crisis within the Sultanate of Sokoto.
The groups have also called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State to strengthen and support the authority of His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Sultanate.
Recently, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) expressed concerns about rumours of a possible plan to remove Muhammad Abubakar from the position of Sultan of Sokoto.
In response, the Sokoto State government dismissed these speculations as mischief-makers’ work. The government’s spokesperson, Sambo Danchadi, clarified that an executive bill forwarded to the State House of Assembly does not include any provisions for dethroning the Sultan.
During a press conference yesterday, the president of MMPN, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated, “We urge the Sokoto State government and Governor Ahmad Aliyu to further strengthen the authority and influence of Sultan Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar and the Sultanate.”
Balogun emphasised the need for Governor Ahmad Aliyu to build upon the accomplishments of previous administrations in empowering Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and ensure that he becomes a true leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
He added, “The Sultan of Sokoto should be safeguarded from political control and the influence of government power.”
Balogun highlighted the importance of granting the Sultan of Sokoto immunity from dethronement and expanding his influence. By doing so, Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s name will be remembered positively in history.
He emphasised that the Sultan, as an eminent and respected figure globally, is a source of pride for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and the worldwide Muslim community.
Continuing his statement, Balogun appealed to Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his administration to protect the Sultan’s esteemed position and refrain from engaging in any political actions that may diminish his authority.
“The governor should prevent any rumoured dethronement, as it would disrupt peace in Sokoto and gravely impact the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. Such political manoeuvres could tarnish the reputation of the Muslim Ummah and revive divisions between Northern and Southern Muslims, which we must avoid.”
Balogun concluded by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his influence to persuade Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his government to abandon any plans that may undermine the Sultan’s power and influence or, worse, lead to his removal from the throne.
