Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, his counterpart from Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu who was represented by his deputy, Rtd Colonel Sama’ila Yombe, other traditional rulers in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States has called for a sustenance of the ongoing dialogue with bandits by some state Governor’s in the country.
They also called for a thorough investigation into the activities of armed banditry ravaging the three states and bring whoever found capable to face the full wrath of the law in accordance with the laid down laws of the country.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the one day town hall meeting on security for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, organized by the Sultanate Council in collaboration with Sokoto State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, held at the Auditorium of Sultan Muhammadu Maccido Institute for Qur’an and general studies, Sokoto.
The meeting which also has representative of the Minister for Police, Maigari Dingyadi who was represented by the AIG Zone 10, Muhammad Alhaji Mustapha and a former Governor of Old Sokoto state, Malam Yahaya Abdulkareem, also calls on the relevant security agencies to expedite actions in the prosecution of suspects awaiting trial over some of the alleged heinous crimes, which includes banditry, kidnapping and murder, saying, quick dispensation of justice will serve as deterrent to others.
According to the communiqué which was signed by the chairman of the communiqué and its secretary, Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mega and Sokoto state NUJ chairman, Isa Abubakar Shuni, respectively and issued to journalists on Tuesday in Sokoto.
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According to the statement, “Governments at all levels should re-define the role of traditional authorities, known for their historical roles of alternative dispute resolution, in making safety, security management and the judicial, conflict resolution effective.
” The federal government should ensure that the nation’s security architecture is reorganized and revamped and should specifically involve the use of technology; further, massive recruitment of properly vetted persons is undertaken in which state and community leaders are involved in the process.
“The on-going dialogue with bandits in some states, which is in line with Islamic tenets, should be encouraged and re-appraised to ensure that all those involved are adequately evaluated to ensure that enduring peace prevails.
” The federal government should initiate a national traditional authorities conference on domestic and border security, whose resolutions should be implemented at local governments and State levels ”
Meanwhile, the meeting condemned traditional rulers found to be involved in banditry or any criminal activities, saying anyone found guilty should not only be deposed but should also be prosecuted in line with extant procedures and due process.
While calling on media houses not to glamorize the exploits of criminals, such as kidnappers so as not to entice gullible youths into engaging in the act, and calls on traditional leaders to fully support the good works of political leaders in providing good governance for the people.
The meeting which was held under the chairmanship of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, where three different papers were delivered by Rtd General Ishola Williams, Emir of Zamfara, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, both on the role of traditional rulers curtailing security challenges, while Professor Tukur Baba, a lecturer from the department of Sociology Federal University, Birnin Kebbi who spoke on Depoliticizing security issues, expectation from politicians, security operatives and media practitioners.
Other dignitaries at the town meeting includes the deputy Governor of Sokoto, Manir Dan Iya, Emir of Gwandu, Rtd Major General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, Emir of Yauri, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Zamfara, Alhaji Muhammad Attahiru Ahmad, Emir of Mafara, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello, Emir of Dansadau, Alhaji Hassaini Umar and Emir of Maru, Alhaji Gada Maigari.
Others includes Sokoto state head of civil service, Dr Buhari Bello Kware, Commissioners, Special Advisers and chief of staff Government house, representatives of the GOC 8 Division, Sokoto state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, representatives of commissioners of police of Kebbi and Zamfara states and other heads of security agencies in Sokoto State.
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