*Breaking: Sokoto Govt Debunks Rumors, Says Amendment Not Targeted at Sultanate Council*

The Sokoto State Government has dismissed rumors that the recent amendment to the law on the appointment of traditional rulers is aimed at whittling down the powers of the Sultanate Council.

The government clarified that the amendment seeks to align the law with the existing practice, where the Sultanate Council collates applications, shortlists, and submits recommendations to the Governor for approval. The Governor then approves one of the recommended candidates, and the Sultanate Council conveys the approval and arranges for the appointee's turbanning.

The amendment also seeks to review the tenure of Local Government Councils from two to three years for better performance. The government emphasized that the amendment is not intended to alter the powers of the Governor or the role of the Sultanate Council in the appointment of District and Village Heads.

The government explained that the bill was resubmitted to the State House of Assembly to correct the anomaly that arose from a 2007 amendment that gave sole powers to the Sultan to appoint Village Heads without recourse to the State Government.

The government assured that the amendment is for the betterment of the state's traditional institutions and urged the public to disregard rumors and misinformation being spread by faceless groups and individuals.

"We assure the public that our relationship with the Sultanate Council remains cordial and will continue to remain so," the government added.