Sokoto Governor Sacks 14 Traditional Rulers, Nullifies Tambuwal’s Appointments

Abdullahi HammedMay 31, 2023

1 minute read

Sokoto Governor Aliyu — Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu

The newly sworn-in governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, has taken swift actions to undo some of the appointments and decisions made by his predecessor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The governor, who assumed office on Tuesday afternoon, has nullified the appointments of 23 permanent secretaries and 15 directors general that Tambuwal made before leaving office.

He has also suspended the 14 traditional rulers that Tambuwal recently appointed, including 13 district heads and the Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Sama’ila Abdulkadir Mujeli.

A source from the transition committee said the suspension of the traditional rulers was based on their alleged role in supporting the PDP during the last general elections in the state.

Some of the districts had been without heads for years due to death or banditry. For example, Balle District Head was killed by bandits about six years ago while Tambuwal district, Tambuwal’s hometown, had been vacant for about four years.

The governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, said their appointments would be reviewed in the public interest.

The governor also nullified the renaming of some academic institutions after some prominent people by Tambuwal. The state House of Assembly had earlier rejected the changes for not seeking its approval.

The affected institutions include Sokoto State University which was renamed Sheikh Abdullahi Fodiyo University; Sokoto State University of Education which was named after former President Shehu Shagari; and Shehu Shagari College of Education which was renamed Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki College of Education.

Others are Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital which was named after Sultan Muhammadu Abubakar Sa’ad; College of Agriculture, Wurno which was renamed Shehu Malami; and College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Wamakko which was renamed Halliru Binji.

The governor also dissolved the governing boards of the colleges and all other parastatals except statutory boards.

He revoked all land allocations made by Tambuwal and suspended the auction of government assets which he said would be revisited.

He also dissolved the local government sole administrators appointed by Tambuwal and directed them to hand over to the directors of administration immediately.