Stakeholders recommend prosecution of traditional rulers supporting banditry
http://www.hrlnews.com/2019/10/stakeholders-recommend-prosecution-of.html
Participants in a town hall meeting on security held in Sokoto have
recommended the prosecution of any traditional ruler found supporting to
banditry or any act criminality, to enhance peace and stability in the
country.
The recommendation is part of the resolution contained in a
communique at the end of the town hall meeting, made available to
newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday.
The communique was signed by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad-Mera and Sokoto State NUJ Chairman Malam Isa Shuni.
It said, “any traditional ruler found to be involved in banditry or
any criminal activities should not only be deposed, but such a ruler
should also be prosecuted in line with the extant procedure and due
process.
“Governments at all levels should redefine the role of traditional
authorities, known for their historical roles of alternative dispute
resolution, in safety and security management.
“The Federal Government should initiate a national traditional
authorities’ conference on domestic and border security, whose
resolutions should be implemented at local and state level.”
The participants also called for adoption of latest technologies for
security management and immediate reorganisation and revamping of the
nation’s security architecture.
“It is further suggested that a massive recruitment
of properly vetted persons is undertaken and that state and community
leaders are meaningfully involved in the process.
“It is believed that such a reorganisation will meet the challenging trends in violent crimes,” the communique stated.
It further observed that the ongoing dialogue with bandits in some states should be encouraged.
“The ongoing dialogue in some states is in line with Islamic tenets,
it should be encouraged and reappraised to ensure that enduring peace
prevails.
“The media should not glamorise the exploits of criminals, such as
kidnappers so as not to entice gullible youth into engaging in the act.”
The meeting urges relevant investigative security agencies to
expedite action in the prosecution of suspects awaiting trial over
alleged heinous crimes, it added.
Newsmen report that the Town Hall meeting held on Monday was
organised by the Sultanate Council in collaboration with the NUJ Sokoto
state council.
It was attended by Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, Kebbi Deputy
Governor, Sama’ila Yombe-Dabai and Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Others are; Emirs of Gwandu, Yauri, Zamfara, Mafara, Dansadau, Maru,
and the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 10 among
others.
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