Breaking: Sultan Lacks Power to Appoint Aides, Says Sokoto Government

Sokoto State Government Declares Sultan’s Appointment Powers Unconstitutional

Sokoto, Nigeria – In a groundbreaking development, the Sokoto State government has declared that the Sultan of Sokoto does not possess the constitutional authority to appoint individuals to positions of power. This declaration was made during a public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law 2008.

Key Points from the Hearing

• Commissioner’s Statement: Barrister Nasiru Binji, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Justice, highlighted the inconsistency of the existing Chieftaincy law with the Nigerian Constitution.
• Legal Inconsistency: Binji pointed out that Section 76(2) of the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law contradicts Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants the Governor the executive power to make appointments in the state.
• Exclusive Authority: Emphasizing the legal framework, Binji stated that the power to appoint officials lies solely with the Governor or those authorized by the Governor, and not with the Sultanate council.

Proposed Amendments

• Extension of Tenure: The proposed amendment to the law includes extending the tenure of local government chairmen to three years. This change is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and stability of local governance.

Implications

• Clarification of Authority: The declaration reinforces the constitutional provision that centralizes appointment powers within the executive branch of the state government, ensuring that all appointments are made under the authority of the Governor.
• Local Government Reform: Extending the tenure of local government chairmen is expected to provide them with a longer period to implement policies and projects, thereby improving administrative efficiency and local governance.