Ahmad Aliyu signs chieftaincy bill stopping Sultan from appointing village, district head

Ahmed Aliyu, governor of Sokoto, has signed the bill stripping the Sultan of the power to appoint district and village heads in the state.

Speaking on Thursday after signing the bill and five others, Aliyu said the amendment was to ensure all inconsistencies with the country’s constitution were removed.

In recent weeks, the amended Sokoto local government and chieftaincy laws have generated controversies across the nation.

The governor said the state has amended the laws under previous administrations to ensure “peace and development”.

“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,” NAN quoted Aliyu as saying.

“In Nigeria, we have witnessed a series of constitutional amendments to give the country laws that ensure peace, tranquility, and socio-political development.

“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 said the signing of the amended law shows that his administration is committed to following the rule of law and listening to the problems of the citizens.

“Whenever we encounter any law that does not serve the interests of our people, we will replace it with one that protects their interests,” the governor added.

He expressed appreciation to members of the state house of assembly for their patriotism in dealing with the issue.

The governor added that his administration is willing to collaborate with the traditional rulers and the Sultanate council for the good of the state.

The other amended bills are the Arabic and Islamic Board, Rural Roads and Land Tenancy, the Zakkat and Endowment Agency, the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disability, and the Local Government Consolidated Law 2009.