From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Thursday turbaned a new Magajin Garin Sokoto and 21 district heads in a ceremony attended by top government officials and traditional leaders.
The new Magajin Garin Sokoto, Ahmed Bello Danbaba, succeeds his late father, Hassan Ahmed Danbaba, and is a direct descendant of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Among those turbaned as district heads were Ahmed Barade, younger brother of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; former Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Lawali Labbo Marghai; and Ibrahim Mohammed Sanyina, who was installed as the District Head of Sanyina.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bello Sifawa, alongside the Chief of Staff, Government House, Aminu Halliru Dikko, and the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Dadi Adare.
The ceremony, held at the Sultan’s Palace, also attracted delegations from the Zazzau Emirate Council in Kaduna State and the Argungu Emirate Council in Kebbi State, among other dignitaries.
The turbaning rites were conducted by the Magayakin Sarkin Musulmi and the Bargan Sarkin Musulmi, with support from other palace officials.
Addressing the newly appointed traditional leaders, the Sultan urged them to uphold the values of justice, fairness, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
“You must be pious, patriotic, fair and just in your leadership. Carry everyone along and ensure unity within your domains,” he said.
He further advised them to steer clear of partisan politics and focus on promoting peace and development in their respective areas.
The Sultan also assured the appointees of his continued support, reiterating his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy in the administration of the Sultanate Council.