…gov insist against politicising trend
By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
AMIDST the disturbing spate of insecurity in the state, Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on Wednesday summoned an all stakeholders state Security Advisory Council Meeting to further x-ray and fine tune responsive strategy against the menace.
At the meeting held in Sokoto at the palace of the religious Monarch, Governor Tambuwal reiterated against politicising the insecurity problem especially in the eastern axis of the state, reminding that it was a serious issue that affected everyone’s life and property across the state.
” We should avoid politicising the issue. Is a situation that calls for collective efforts, support and solution in order to save lives , property as well bring peace to all”, he stated.
The governor who asked for “sincere deliberations and consultations,” also observed that ” if the bandits attack any community they, don’t distinguish between PDP and APC members. They attack anybody they meet. For this reason, we should not politicise security, health and development issues.”
However, the meeting followed the resolution of the state security council sitting on Monday chaired by the governor.
Tambuwal noted that nothing was achievable without security and peace, stressing that ” including worship which is not possible if there is insecurity.”
While soliciting for the advises of all stakeholders in the state ,Tambuwal pleaded with them to furnish the forum with honest inputs and information on what the security situation is like in all the affected areas.
Sultan Abubakar who before the meeting went into closed door, consoled and commiserated with victims of banditry in the affected areas , urging citizens to pray fervently as security operatives work to control the situation.
Expressing shock at the spate of insecurity in parts of the state, Abubakar who also recalled with nostalgic feel that during colonial period security was in top gear in the area to the extent that a woman could depart Sokoto to Kano without fear.
The revered Leader further explained that the high profile meeting was intended to collate opinions and views from an extensive consultation with stakeholders.
The royal father , however, assured the state government of the Sultanate Council’s support and encouragement, pointing out that “since 1914 amalgamation of the country the roles of the security operatives and traditional rulers have been clearly spelt out. We shall continue to play our statutory roles accordingly.
“Our position is to inform the security agents about happenings. They in turn will work to contain the situation. All of us should buckle up and take measures that would ensure that this problem is tackled.
” This isn’t about poverty. Relatively, we are better off than many countries. All we need to do is to do what is desirable and proper,” the monarch said.
He encouraged people of the state to summon courage and strength to inform security agents of any untoward development, stressing that “it is unfortunate that those who should inform security agents about problems in their areas are scared for their lives. But now everyone should be brave and come out with information about the bandits and their activities.”
Acknowledging the efforts of security agencies , Sultan gave kudos to security operatives for their resilience and commitment to the course towards reversing and controlling the situation while assuring that similar meetings will be held regularly.
Also, the state Commissioner for Security and Career Matters, Col. Garba Moyi (rtd) said the issue of security is not government’s responsibility alone, trading the history of insecurity in the state to the encroachment of bandits from Zamfara and Niger Republic.
Moyi said the situation became more disturbing when some fulani marauders became bolder in their confrontations with farmers.
He said although truce was brokered with some of the bandits by Tambuwal’s administration.
” Sadly, they recently resurfaced in parts of Sabon Birni, Isa, Rabah, Tureta, Kebbe and Goronyo local government areas of the state and raising further concerns”, he pointed out
