Sokoto Govt exonerates deposed Sultan Dasuki, family to get benefits
Story from Saleh INUWA, Kano
The Sokoto State government has officially released a white paper exonerating the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki from allegations that led to his deposition in 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha.
The decision, based on a thorough investigation and detailed findings by an authorized committee, marks a crucial turning point in a case that has overshadowed the late Sultan’s legacy for nearly three decades.
Led by the late Muhammadu Jega, former secretary to the military government and head of service, the committee conducted a comprehensive study and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the government’s action against the late Sultan.
Their analysis concluded that there was no evidence to support any incriminating acts that would justify his deposition. Furthermore, it highlighted the denial of the Sultan’s right to defend himself, as required by the laws of the land.
Announcing the decision on behalf of the state government, the state commissioner for information, Hon. Akibu Dalhatu, and the attorney general and commissioner of justice, Barr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), revealed that the white paper had adopted the committee’s recommendation.
“The white paper adopts the committee’s recommendation, stating that the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki should be officially exonerated and cleared of any wrongdoing for posterity. He will also receive all entitlements for the years he served as Sultan of Sokoto, in accordance with the laws pertaining to such entitlements,” they said.
They added that Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal approved the white paper during the sitting of the State Executive Council on May 25, 2023, demonstrating empathy and recognition for the late 18th Sultan of Sokoto.
The announcement has been met with widespread relief and satisfaction among the people of Sokoto, who closely followed the developments of the case.
Supporters of Sultan Dasuki, who steadfastly maintained his innocence, feel that their unwavering faith in his character and integrity has been unequivocally justified.
The news of Sultan Dasuki’s exoneration is reverberating throughout the state, bringing a renewed sense of hope and closure to his family and well-wishers.
The government’s commitment to securing his legacy and addressing the suffering endured by his loved ones through the provision of long-overdue benefits is seen as a significant step towards healing and reconciliation.
Sultan Dasuki, who served as the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, passed away in November 2016 at the age of 92.
Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has also approved the renaming of eight state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision, according to the state’s commissioner for information, Hon. Akibu Dalhatu, “was inspired by the administration’s profound reverence for the memories and accomplishments of Sokoto State’s esteemed heroes.”
The commissioner stated that the State Executive Council approved the decision at its session.
The public institutions have been renamed as follows: Sokoto State University is now Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio University, in honour of Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio; Sokoto State University of Education is renamed Shehu Shagari University of Education, in honour of former President Shehu Shagari; the College of Education is now Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki College of Education, in honour of Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki; and the newly constructed Teaching Hospital is named Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Teaching Hospital, in honour of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences has been renamed Ambassador Shehu Malami College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, in honour of Ambassador Shehu Malami; the College of Nursing Sciences is renamed Balaraba Buda College of Nursing Sciences, in honour of Balaraba Buda; the College of Midwifery is now Aisha Ahmad Gandi College of Midwifery, in honour of Aisha Ahmad Gandi; and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies is renamed Haliru Binji College of Legal and Islamic Studies, in honour of Sheikh Haliru Binji.
Hon. Dalhatu mentioned that Governor Tambuwal is renowned for his unwavering commitment to promoting education.
He stated, “This decision is a collective determination to preserve the heritage of the state and to inspire future generations to emulate accomplished figures who have left an indelible mark on society.”
Governor Tambuwal extends a heartfelt call to all the citizens of Sokoto State to embrace this momentous decision with open hearts and receptive minds.