The Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu has inaugurated the State’s Hisbah Corps, with a warning against the witch-hunt of innocent citizens in the line of duty.
He gave the warning at the re-establishment of the Hisbah Corps and the commissioning of its State Secretariat.
Governor Aliyu reminded the members of the Corps to work in line with the laws guiding its establishment so as not to contravene Nigeria’s extant laws.
He said, “I want to remind you that you must take into consideration fundamental human rights, and always work within the ambit of the law.
“You must also have the fear of Allah while carrying out your assignment, which is primarily to sanitize the society of sinful acts and devilish behaviors that often attract heavy consequences in the sight of Allah.”
The Governor noted that the Hisbah Board is not designed to take over the duty of conventional security outfits, but rather to complement their efforts in protecting the lives and property of people of the state.
He added that Hisbah is backed by law and is empowered to make arrests and hand over suspects to the Police for eventual prosecution before a Shari’a Court.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the State government would monitor the activities of the Corps to ensure strict compliance with the laws establishing it.
“In order to ensure that Hisbah succeeds in its operations, we have provided patrol vehicles and motorcycles as well as a befitting office accommodation to the board, and very soon, we will provide local government offices to the board,” he added.
The Governor solicited the support and cooperation of the people of the State for the re-established Hisbah to effectively carry out its mandate.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Mai-hula highlighted some of the achievements of the Ahmed Aliyu administration which includes the promotion of Islamic affairs in the State.
Also speaking, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the State Governor for the initiative, and called on the people of the State to support Hisbah to achieve its set objectives.
A renowned Islamic scholar and Commander, Kano State Hisbah Commission, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, charged the members of the Hisbah Corps to operate within the law and be patient in the discharge of their assignment.
He commended Gov. Aliyu for reestablishing the Hisbah board, and other support for Islam, which he hopes would go a long way in reducing crimes and sinful acts in the society.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
