A coalition of 33 Muslim organizations and associations has called for the strengthening of the Sokoto Sultanate’s powers and the provision of immunity for its occupant, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, from being dethroned. This was announced during a press conference held in Abuja, led by Abdul-Rahman Balogun, National President of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN).
The coalition expressed grave concerns over recent actions by the Sokoto State Government, which they believe are politically motivated attempts to undermine and potentially dethrone the revered Sultan. Despite reassurances from the state government denying any plans to dethrone the Sultan, the coalition cited the rapid passage of a bill to amend the Sultanate Council Law as evidence of these efforts.
Balogun emphasized the importance of the Sultan’s role as a spiritual leader for over 150 million Muslims across Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and beyond. He highlighted the Sultan’s contributions to unity, peace, and leadership within the Muslim community and warned that any move to depose him would threaten the fabric of society.
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“His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, is a symbol of unity, wisdom, and leadership. His deposition would not only be a travesty of justice but also a threat to the very fabric of our society,” Balogun stated.
The coalition’s demands include Strengthening and reinforcing the power and influence of the Sultanate, Protecting the Sultan from political interference and granting him immunity from dethronement, Recognizing the Sultan’s global influence and contributions to peace and unity, and Urging the Sokoto State Government to preserve the revered seat of the Sultan.
The coalition also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevent any actions that might diminish the Sultan’s power or lead to his dethronement. They appealed to political leaders and elders across Nigeria to recognize the Sultan’s invaluable contributions and work towards restoring peace and stability in the community.
“We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his government to halt any plans that will lead to diminishing the power and influence of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar or, worse still, lead to his dethronement,” Balogun urged.
The coalition resolved to continue advocating against any injustice towards the Sultan and to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for tradition.
