The Sultanate Council has dismissed a viral video of an alleged protest against hunger at the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, describing it as fake.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Aminu Haliru Gidadawa, Public Relations Officer of the Sultanate Council, and issued in Sokoto on Sunday.

“The attention of the Sultanate Council has been drawn to a video currently recirculating on social media, being presented as a recent protest against His Eminence over the hunger situation.

“We wish to state categorically that the video is not recent. It is a false narrative.

“The footage was recorded in 2024 during nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of food items. The Sultan does not participate in partisan politics.

“It is being shared out of context to mislead the public.

“His Eminence’s position then and now has been consistent. He was not in support of the hardship affecting the public and has continued to advocate for measures to address it.

“There is calm at the palace. The atmosphere remains peaceful, as it always has been. There are no protests, disturbances, or unrest taking place at the palace or its environs.”

The statement urged the public to verify information before sharing, adding that resurfacing old content to create the impression of current unrest serves no public interest and distracts from ongoing efforts to improve food security and public welfare.