Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, is reportedly initiating the removal of certain high-ranking traditional leaders, along with senior councillors and kingmakers from the Sultanate council.
This move is allegedly linked to their purported support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections.
The affected monarchs, including Sarkin Yakin Binji Alh Kabir Usman and Sarkin Kabin Yabo Muhammadu mai Turare II, have been summoned to appear before a committee formed by the state government.
The invitation letter, dated January 4, 2024, and signed by Muhammad Umar Yabo, a permanent secretary and committee secretary, outlined the complaints against the monarchs based on allegations from their subjects.
The committee, led by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isa Sadiq Achida, set the appearance at Old Villa 3, Government House, Sokoto, at 2 pm.
One of the affected monarchs, speaking anonymously to Press, revealed that the summons were delivered by Local Government Sole Administrators to over 17 district heads and kingmakers.
According to the source, during the probe committee session, the monarchs faced intimidation, threats, and queries related to their roles in the 2023 elections and support for the PDP. The governor allegedly accused them of being sympathetic to the immediate past governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
A member of the APC and a former state house of Assembly member, requesting anonymity, expressed concern that the affected monarchs might be dethroned, suggesting political motives behind the governor’s actions.
The source hinted at a possible replacement of the traditional leaders with individuals aligned with the governor, potentially causing unrest in the state.
The source also alluded to political tensions between the governor and Wamakko, the former governor, suggesting that the Sultan and his council might be targeted due to their perceived support for the PDP in the 2023 elections.
This alleged political rivalry may influence the governor’s decisions and impact the state’s stability.
The source further pointed out historical instances where Wamakko, during his tenure as governor, had reportedly shown disregard for the traditional institution by dethroning certain rulers without clear reasons.
The suspicion is that the current actions could be influenced by political alliances and antipathy towards the Sultanate camp.
Concerns were raised about the potential consequences of the removal of the traditional leaders, as it might be aimed at altering the policies and actions of the government.
There is a perceived fear that the policies of previous administrations, allegedly fostering negative behaviors among the youth, might be changed under the current government.
Despite attempts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State commissioner for information, Sambo Bello Danchadi, he declined to provide any information, citing uncertainty about the identity of the person making the inquiry.
