Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has given assent to the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law, which has effectively limited the influence of Alhaji Sa`ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, as the new law strips him of the power to appoint district and village heads in the State.
The law generated controversy across the country with many Islamic and traditional leaders opposed to it.
But speaking on Thursday after signing six Executive Bills recently passed by the State House of Assembly, Aliyu explained that the amendments were aimed at removing ambiguities and inconsistencies with the nation’s Constitution.
He said the amended laws in the State were not intended to target any individual or group, but rather to promote good governance.
Governor Aliyu said: “It is well-known that in every society, laws are enacted and amended to suit the needs of the time and the interests of the governed, in line with current circumstances.
“In Nigeria, we have witnessed a series of constitutional amendments to give the country laws that ensure peace, tranquility, and socio-political development.”
Aliyu said that Sokoto, like other states, has amended various laws under previous administrations to foster peace and development.
He expressed concern over the tension created by the proposed amendments.
“Some reactions were politically motivated, while others were made ignorantly without proper inquiry into the details and intentions of the amendments.
“I appreciate our Ulama for their concern, but remind them that they represent Allah’s Messenger. They should not allow lazy politicians to use them for political gains,” he advised.
The Governor emphasised that signing the amended laws demonstrates his administration’s respect for the rule of law.
He assured the citizens that his administration would continue to listen to their aspirations and ensure that any laws made or amended align with the nation’s constitution.
“Whenever we encounter any law that does not serve the interests of our people, we will replace it with one that protects their interests,” Aliyu stated.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the members of the State House of Assembly for their “maturity and patriotism” in handling the amendments.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with traditional rulers and the Sultanate Council for the good of the State and the nation.
Aliyu also thanked the people of Sokoto for their unwavering support and sought further assistance to achieve the administration’s development goals.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim (APC-Kware), said the passage of these Bills demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing citizens’ welfare and well-being.
Ibrahim noted that the Assembly made the legislative process more inclusive and participatory by inviting relevant stakeholders to discuss the Bills.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the amended bills included those on the Arabic and Islamic Board, Rural Roads and Land Tenancy.
Others were those of Zakkat and Endowment Agency, Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disability, and the Local Government Consolidated Law 2009. (NAN)