Court Halts Sokoto Governor’s Removal of Two District Heads Amid Law Controversy

Amid ongoing controversy over a proposed traditional institution law in Sokoto State, the state’s High Court has issued an order restraining Governor Ahmed Aliyu from removing two of the 15 district heads recently sacked by his administration. The order was sought separately by Alhaji Buhari Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, the District Heads of Tambuwal and Kebbe respectively, who were among those dismissed on allegations of insubordination and aiding insecurity.

Court Order:

Presiding Judge, Justice Kabiru Ibrahim Ahmed, directed Governor Aliyu, his Attorney General, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council to revert to the status quo pending the determination of the suit filed by the complainants, represented by Prof Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN. The court’s orders, dated June 16, 2024, instructed the defendants and their agents to “maintain status quo and/or stay all actions and/or further actions in connection with all matters dealing with and/or appertaining to the removal and/or dethronement of District Heads in Sokoto State,” specifically those of Kebbe and Tambuwal, until the motion for an interlocutory injunction is resolved.

Proposed Traditional Institution Law:

The development follows the Sokoto State Government’s proposal to amend the Local Government Law, aiming to grant the government exclusive power to appoint traditional rulers. This proposal and the sacking of the 15 district heads have sparked swift reactions nationwide.

Reactions:

• Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the Sokoto State Government to preserve and protect the Sultan, emphasizing the importance of traditional institutions.
• Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar called for the protection of traditional institutions from the “excesses of state governors.”
• The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) issued two statements warning the Sokoto State Government against removing the Sultan of Sokoto or diminishing his powers.

Legislative Process:

The Sokoto State House of Assembly passed the bill for a second reading and referred it to a House Committee. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for next week Tuesday.

Conclusion:

The court’s intervention and the heated debate surrounding the proposed law highlight the tension between state governance and traditional institutions in Sokoto State. The outcome of the public hearing and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the future dynamics between the state government and traditional authorities.