The Government of Sokoto State has cleared the deposed Sultan of Sokoto, late Ibrahim Dasuki, of any wrongdoing that could warrant his deposition.
Dasuki was deposed in 1996 and was banished from Sokoto Sultanate during the regime of late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Dasuki, who was the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, died while still in exile in November 2016, 20 years after he was deposed. He died at the age of 92.
The State government, in a white paper on the high-powered enquiry into his activities, asked that all the entitlements of the late Sultan should be settled immediately.
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.
They concluded that there was no evidence to support any incriminating acts that would justify his deposition.
The committee 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, Akibu Dalhatu, and the Sttorney General and commissioner of justice, Barrister Suleiman Usman (SAN), said 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.”
The committee said 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.
Source: PRNigeria.
