The state government of Sokoto says the Sultan does not have the constitutional power to appoint anyone.
Whilst speaking at a public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law 2008 organized by the state house of assembly on Tuesday, the commissioner of justice in the state, Nasiru Binji, said the law that permits the Sultan to appoint anyone violates the 1999 constitution.
The commissioner stated that the executive bill sent to the house of assembly seeks to fix the “mistake”.
“Section 5(2) of the constitution stipulates that the executive power to appoint in the state is vested on the governor directly or through his deputy, commissioners, or any government agent assigned by the governor,” he said.
“So, there is no power given to the sultanate council to appoint.
“Section 76(2) of the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law gives the sultanate council the power to appoint district and village heads in the state, but with the approval of the sitting governor.
“So the section is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution as amended, and therefore it cannot stand.
“Because the power to appoint is the executive power, and who exercises the power? Is it not the governor? This is the reason for the amendment – to correct the mistakes of the past.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had levied allegation that the Sokoto government was scheming to depose Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto.
Afterwards, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the sultan stands an “idea” that must be jealously guarded and projected for the growth of the nation.
The Sokoto government has since refuted the claim, saying there is no plot to remove the sultan.