A Sokoto State High Court, led by Justice Kabiru I. Ahmad, issued an ex parte order preventing Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu from dismissing 15 district heads.
The court had, on June 13, 2024, ordered the maintenance of the status quo ante bellum in the case involving Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim (plaintiffs/applicants) against Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Attorney General of Sokoto State, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council (defendants/respondents).
The order halted any actions related to the removal or dethronement of district heads in Sokoto State, particularly for the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs, the district heads of Tambuwal in Tambuwal LGA and Kebbe in Kebbe LGA.
This injunction will remain until the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction scheduled for July 23, 2024.
Justice Ahmad noted in his ruling that the court found merit in the applications after reviewing the affidavit evidence and written addresses of counsel.
Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal stated in his motion that he learned through the media about a committee formed to investigate district head appointments made by former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
He claimed that on April 23, 2024, he was removed as the District Head of Tambuwal without formal communication or an opportunity to present his case.
On April 29, 2024, he received a termination letter from the Sokoto Sultanate Council without a fair hearing, violating due process.
Tambuwal argued that his termination was punitive, capricious, and an abuse of power, as other district heads appointed alongside him were not removed. He said he has faced significant prejudice, and financial loss, and has not received his monthly salary since his removal.
He also claimed that Governor Aliyu set up another committee to draft a White Paper, indicating malicious intent.
Justice Ahmad agreed with the arguments presented by the Plaintiffs’ counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, and Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi SAN, granting the order to maintain the status quo ante bellum and halting any actions related to the removal of district heads in Sokoto State.
This ruling came amid allegations that the Sokoto State government planned to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Vice President Kashim Shettima warned the state government to protect the Sultan following concerns raised by the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC).
The state government denied these allegations and urged the vice president to verify facts before commenting on sensitive issues.
The district heads affected by the court’s interim order include Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal (Tambuwal); Alhaji Buhari Muhammad Abdulrahman (Illela); Alhaji Nasiru Shehu Umar (Dogon Daji); Alhaji Aliyu Barade (Wamakko); Alhaji Atiku Bello Ayama (Gongono); Alhaji Sule Ajiya Kalambaina (Kalambaina); Alhaji Abubakar Kassim (Kebbe); Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Dansarki (Tangaza); Hon. Kabiru Marafa Acida (Alkammu); and Alhaji Usman Abdullahi (Talluwa).
The court has mandated the defendants/respondents and their representatives to maintain the status quo ante bellum and stop any actions related to the removal or dethronement of district heads.
The case is adjourned until July 23, 2024, for hearing.
Earlier on April 23, 2023, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, through his spokesperson Abubakar Bawa, announced the dismissal of 15 district heads for alleged insubordination, land racketeering, aiding insecurity, and converting public buildings for personal use.
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