Appointment: Sokoto Govt Declares That Sultan Has No Power Amid Fear He Will Be Deposed

The Sokoto State government clarified that under the constitution, the Sultan of Sokoto does not possess the authority to appoint individuals.

This declaration comes amid repeated alarms raised by Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, that the Sultan is being targeted for deposition. The fear has increased given some reforms by the Sokoto State government.

During a public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law 2008, Commissioner of Justice Barrister Nasiru Binji highlighted that the current Chieftaincy law in the state contradicts the Nigerian constitution.

He pointed out that Section 76(2) of the law conflicts with Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which vests the executive power to appoint in the state solely in the Governor, directly or through authorized deputies, commissioners, or designated government agents.

“Therefore, the Sultanate Council lacks the authority to appoint. Section 76(2) of the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law grants the Sultanate Council the power to appoint district and village heads, contingent upon the Governor’s approval. This provision is inconsistent with the 1999 constitution and is untenable,” he stated.

Binji emphasized that the power to appoint resides exclusively with the executive, specifically the Governor, correcting past errors through the proposed amendment.

Regarding the bill proposing to extend the tenure of local government chairmen to three years, it aims to enhance their effectiveness in governance.

The post Appointment: Sokoto Govt Declares That Sultan Has No Power Amid Fear He Will Be Deposed first appeared on Newsdirect.