By Luminous Jannamike

Muslim leaders in Nigeria have urged the Sokoto State Government to refrain from taking any action that could lead to the dethronement of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.

The appeal was made at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, where representatives of various Muslim organizations and groups gathered to show solidarity with the Sultan.

The briefing was attended by representatives of various Muslim organizations, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), and 30 other Islamic groups and associations.

Recall that the Sokoto State Government has denied any plans to depose the Sultan, but the Muslim leaders are skeptical and have vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim leaders, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, National President of the MMPN, expressed concern over a bill sent to the Sokoto State House of Assembly to amend the Sultanate Council Law, which they believe is aimed at reducing the Sultan’s powers.

He noted that the Sultan of Sokoto is the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community, and whittling down his powers would have far-reaching implications for the country’s unity and stability.

Balogun emphasized that the Sultan is a unifying figure for the Muslim community, and any attempt at his dethronement would be a ‘disservice’ to the community and the country.

Balogun appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevail on the Sokoto State Government to halt its plans to depose the Sultan or reduce his powers.

He also called on the Sokoto State Government to recognize the Sultan’s invaluable contributions to the development of the state and the country, and to respect his leadership and authority.

Balogun warned that any attempt to undermine the Sultan would be resisted by the Muslim community and could lead to chaos and instability in the country.

The Muslim leaders said, “We appeal to Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his administration to preserve the revered seat of the Sultan and to avoid any political brigandage that will demean or reduce the influence and authority of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR.

“We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to prevail on Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his government to halt whatever plans they have to depose the Sultan or reduce his power and influence.

“We implore our political leaders across Nigeria and our elders (religious and traditional) to intervene and restore peace and stability to our community.

“Let us come together in the spirit of unity and brotherhood to resolve our differences peacefully and respectfully. Let us uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for tradition that have guided us for generations.

“We will not stand idly by while our beloved Sultan, and the throne he occupies, which is more than 200 years old, are unfairly targeted. We will continue to speak out against this injustice until the attempts to depose him or reduce his power are reversed.”