ALLEGED DEPOSITION: We stand by Sultan of Sokoto, renew our allegiance to him – TMC
*Says deposing Sultan undermines authority of Nigerian Muslims
*Highlights him as a unifying figure for all Nigerians
*Wants financial autonomy for Sultan to perform his leadership roles unhindered
By KEMI KASUMU
“TMC proposed two models for financing the Sultan’s office: first, making the allocation to the office of the Sultan a first-line charge directly paid by the Federal Government either from state or local government allocations; second, removing government financing of the Sultan and instead, establishing a Special Trust Fund or Financial Special Purpose Vehicle managed by the Muslim community to support the office of the President of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto.”
The Muslim Congress (TMC) has declared its support for the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, in the light of the alleged move by Sokoto State Governor to depose him.
TMC emphasised its renewed allegiance to the Sultan as the leader of Nigerian Muslims, asserting that any attempt to depose him undermines the authority of Muslims in Nigeria.
In a statement by the Waali of The Muslim Congress in Ogun State, Dr. Abdulrazaq Ogunmoye, the organisation highlighted the Sultan’s pivotal role as a unifying figure for all Muslims in Nigeria.
The organisation supported MURIC’s recommendation that the Sokoto State House of Assembly amends the chieftaincy law to exempt the Sultan from being deposed by the Governor.
Due to the sensitivity of the Sultan’s position, TMC also recommended that the Sokoto State Government should not be responsible for paying the Sultan’s salary and those of his aides.
The group called for financial autonomy for the Sultan to enable him to perform his leadership roles effectively.
“TMC proposed two models for financing the Sultan’s office: first, making the allocation to the office of the Sultan a first-line charge directly paid by the Federal Government either from state or local government allocations; second, removing government financing of the Sultan and instead, establishing a Special Trust Fund or Financial Special Purpose Vehicle managed by the Muslim community to support the office of the President of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto.
“The organization warned politicians against involving spiritual leaders in political battles and advised them to heed the counsel of traditional rulers. TMC reiterated the need for traditional rulers to have a constitutional role to positively contribute to Nigeria’s development,” the statement said.
“Without prejudice to Nigeria’s status as a multi-religious and not secular state, it is not out of place to give constitutional responsibilities to Islamic leaders to address the trust deficit and moral issues in our society,” Dr. Ogunmoye stated.
