Muslim Rights Group Urges Sokoto Assembly to Halt Amendment Bill on Emirate Council Law

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has come out strongly urging the Sokoto State House of Assembly to put a stop to the proposed amendment bill concerning the state’s Emirate Council Law. The bill, which recently passed initial readings, could potentially limit the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar’s authority in appointing district heads without state government approval.

In a statement issued by Ishaq Akintola, the founder of MURIC, the group criticized the amendment bill as «outrageous and anachronistic,» accusing it of being a move against the traditional institution.

MURIC alleges that the bill, if enacted, aims to weaken the Sultan’s powers and render him insignificant in the traditional hierarchy. Governor Ahmad Aliyu has been accused by MURIC of attempting to assert control over the Sultanate Council from the government house.

The statement further elaborated on the implications of the bill, suggesting a potential shift in power dynamics that could sideline the Sultan and consolidate authority within the governor’s office. MURIC questioned the urgency of the bill, hinting at possible hidden agendas and speculating on political motivations behind the proposed changes.

Recent speculations surrounding the Sultan’s position in Sokoto have raised concerns about a purported plan to remove him from office. Vice-President Kashim Shettima recently emphasized the symbolic importance of the Sultan in representing certain ideals that contribute to national growth.