Verify facts before public statements, Sokoto govt urges VP Shettima
By Innocent Raphael
The Sokoto state government has called on Vice-President Kashim Shettima to ensure the accuracy of his statements before making them public.
This appeal came after remarks made by Shettima during the inaugural north-west security summit in Katsina on Monday.
At the summit, Shettima emphasized the importance of the Sultan of Sokoto, describing him as a symbol that must be protected for the nation’s growth.
Addressing the deputy governor of Sokoto, Shettima stated, “Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea.”
These comments followed allegations from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which claimed that the Sokoto government was plotting to dethrone Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.
MURIC urged Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu to refrain from interfering with the traditional and religious institution of the Sultanate.
In response, Abubakar Bawa, the chief press secretary to the Sokoto governor, released a statement on Tuesday denying any such plans and criticizing Shettima for his comments.
“The Sokoto state government has called on our Vice-President Kashim Shettima to always cross-check facts before commenting on sensitive national matters,” the statement read. “We sincerely expected the Vice-President to have consulted the governor before going public.”
Bawa emphasized that the state government had never attempted to dethrone the Sultan and had no intentions of doing so.
He stressed that the Sultan enjoys all the rights and powers of his position, and the government is committed to protecting and promoting the Sultanate.
“As an elder statesman and a father to all, he should have facts and figures before judging on issues raised by mischief-makers and the mushroom social media handlers known for negative propaganda.
“The government and people of Sokoto cherish and adore the Sultanate council and would do everything possible to protect the dignity of the revered institution,” Bawa stated.
