The Sokoto State government has made a groundbreaking declaration, stating that the Sultan of Sokoto does not have the constitutional authority to appoint individuals to positions of power.
During a public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law 2008, Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Binji, highlighted the inconsistency of the existing Chieftaincy law with the Nigerian constitution.
Binji pointed out that Section 76(2) of the law contradicts Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which grants the Governor the executive power to make appointments in the state.
He emphasized that the power to appoint lies solely with the Governor or those authorized by the Governor, and not with the Sultanate council.
The proposed amendment to extend the tenure of local government chairmen to three years is aimed at enhancing their effectiveness in office.
