The Governor of Sokoto State, Engr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the first Sokoto township indigene to ever govern the state, is now in the eye of the storm following his recent decision to sack 15 District Heads. This move appears to be an attempt to rewrite history by centralizing the control of the Sokoto Caliphate’s affairs, effectively stripping the Sultan of Sokoto of his traditional powers and reducing him to a ceremonial figurehead. Such a drastic change is alarming and must be reconsidered.
By Abanikanda Olumoro (UK)
Governor Aliyu should not reopen old wounds in Sokoto, a situation previously remedied by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in Kano. A word to the wise should be sufficient to prevent a crisis.
From my vantage point in the UK, I offer the Governor the best advice any leader could receive: avoid being manipulated by vested political interests into starting an anti-institutional war. This conflict, once ignited, could prove impossible to resolve.
Since Governor Aliyu announced the decision to depose the District Heads in April 2024, it has become clear that this action aims to undermine the Sultan’s authority. However, the fallout from this move could be far more severe than anticipated, given the Sultan’s significant influence.
These actions have sparked controversy, placing the Governor at the center of a political storm, suggesting that he has declared war on Sa’ad Abubakar, and the entire Sultanate Council. The Governor’s decisions seem to be based on untenable reasons that undermine the historic powers of the Sultan, which predate Nigeria itself.
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I believe Governor Aliyu, as a native son of Sokoto, is not the true mastermind behind this sacrilege but is being manipulated. Someone who helped him to power could be behind these moves. Governor Aliyu should not allow anyone to drag him into a conflict he cannot win.
I remember Wamakko has previously acknowledged that Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar helped him regain his governorship after being removed twice. During my visits to Sokoto during Wamakko’s era, it was evident that the Sultan’s influence was crucial in attracting various activities and investments to the state. The Sultan, a retired general-turned-monarch, has significantly contributed to Sokoto’s development, making it a hub for conferences and cultural visits.
Wamakko, who benefited greatly from the Sultan’s support, now appears to be undermining the very institution that helped him. We, as supporters of the Sultan, will not hold Governor Aliyu responsible for this ingratitude but will instead hold Wamakko accountable for using the Governor to achieve his aims.
We first noticed Wamakko’s machinations ahead of the 2019 general elections when his supporters hinted at replacing the Sultan. Despite their efforts, they failed to influence the governorship election and convince President Muhammadu Buhari to believe their false claims against the Sultan.
We thank God that President Buhari resisted these plots and is now resting peacefully in Daura, Katsina State. We trust that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will also resist any attempts to be turned against the Sultan. Governor Aliyu, who respects the Sultan, should not let anyone push him into destroying the historic Usmaniyyah Throne.
We pray that Governor Aliyu will resist these political manipulations that could damage his career and the future of Sokoto State. The people of Sokoto, like those in Kano, must stand against any actions that threaten their traditional institutions and cultural heritage.
Anyone who accuses me of being paid to express these concerns is mistaken. I have consistently defended those unjustly treated, including Lagos State natives deprived of political power. Now, I defend the Sultan of Sokoto and Governor Aliyu against a self-serving politician.
As Vice President Kashim Shettima aptly said in Katsina:
“The Sultan is much more than just the Sultan of Sokoto. He represents an idea and an institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the good of our nation.”
A stitch in time saves nine.
Olumoro is a Nigerian in the Diaspora (United Kingdom) and a regular contributor.
