Restoring dignity in Sokoto Caliphate
It is quite unfortunate that our revered traditional institution has become vulnerable to political maneuvers, and thus invaded by those whose intent has been erosion of ingredients of its sacredness. Sokoto Caliphate has existed for over 200 years – a dynasty that bestrides a very large landscape and population, including the West African sub-region. The […]
It is quite unfortunate that our revered traditional institution has become vulnerable to political maneuvers, and thus invaded by those whose intent has been erosion of ingredients of its sacredness. Sokoto Caliphate has existed for over 200 years – a dynasty that bestrides a very large landscape and population, including the West African sub-region. The Council of the Sultanate that maintains well ordered system of administration, a model adopted by Lord Fredrick Lugard, one time Governor General of Nigeria, in Indirect Rule, used to be composed of tested, versed and knowledgeable persons who assisted the Sultan in running the Caliphate. The Council used to consist of the Sultan, Waziri, Magajin Rafi and magajin Gari.
With the advent of modern government, the Council decided to incorporate eminent title holders that are versed in modern government. That decision was taken to create rapport between the Council and government, both within and without the State, ditto Federal Government. Thus former President Shehu Shagari (Turaki of Sokoto), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau (Sarkin Malamai Sokoto) and Alhaji (Barrister) Umaru Shinkafi (Marafan Sokoto), former boss of Nigerian Security Organization (now SSS) were co-opted into the Council. Their presence has continued to make significant impact that the Council has not had conflict with any Government to date.
At the twilight of the previous administration, politics became a major consideration in the appointment of some persons into the Council. Such persons because of lack of knowledge of the composition of the revered institution have taken advantage of that incongruent platform to create phantom hiccups for the institution. The Government of Sokoto State has taken a bold step to restore to the dignity of the Council by removing those who have no business being there. The removed Galadiman Gari is the district head of Durbawa. He abandoned his people and hardly functioned there that his subjects now question his continued headship. The previous administration removed the former Galadima Gari because of such perceived insensitivity. No responsible government should sit back and watch citizens complain endlessly of utter neglect. Any government that stands aloof while citizens reel in pains of highhandedness and gross neglect does so at its peril. It is opprobrious to bite the finger that feeds one. Governor Wamakko as a listening leader has acted in the interest of the masses.
The same masses looked back at history that the issue of district head of Gebe should be absolved from political vagaries. Their representation necessitated Government action to restore the district head of Gebe to the family it belonged as against where it was situated in Bafarawa.
We have consistently maintained that sustainable values of Sokoto State are our goal. We continue to associate with actions geared towards this direction. We have arduously been steadfast to ensure veracity and justification of our presentations. Such has become our tradition in tenacity of purpose.
Mohammed S. Umar is President of Sokoto Liberal Democrat Media Foundation (SOLID) [email protected]