The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, on Monday declared that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, is much more than just the Sultan.
According to Shettima, the Sultan is an institution that must be guarded and protected jealously, adding that the Sultan goes beyond Sokoto and represents an idea that belongs to the entire country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the North West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State, emphasized that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, is more than just a traditional ruler.
He stated, “In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognize and appreciate all our royal fathers present here.”
Shettima further elaborated, “And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you: Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea, he is an institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation.”
His comments come amidst rumors that the Sokoto State government is allegedly plotting to remove the Sultan.
This speculation follows Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s decision to depose 15 traditional rulers for various offenses, raising concerns that the Sultan might be next in line.
Plateau News reports that the Sultan is not just a traditional ruler but also the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims. He holds the dual roles of Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).