Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged the Sokoto State government to reconsider any plans to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, amid allegations from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

Speaking at the North West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina, Shettima emphasized the Sultan’s significance as more than an Emir, describing him as an institution vital to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

“Our father, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, is central to our development. To the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, I say this: the Sultan is an idea, an institution that we must protect and promote for Nigeria’s benefit,” Shettima stated.

This follows MURIC’s claim that Sokoto’s governor plans to dethrone the Sultan, a move criticized by MURIC’s Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who warned that Nigerian Muslims would strongly oppose any such action.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu recently removed 15 traditional rulers for various reasons, fueling speculations about the Sultan’s fate. Akintola cautioned the governor against such actions, highlighting the Sultan’s national religious significance.

The Sokoto State Government has yet to address MURIC’s claims but previously mentioned plans to amend local governance laws concerning traditional appointments, which currently require the Sultanate Council’s recommendations but leave final decisions to the governor.