Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’d Abubakar, has called for removal and prosecution of any traditional or religious leader aiding insecurity in any part of the country.
The Sultan, who spoke today, October 15at a town hall meeting on security challenges in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara state, insisted that such leader should be prosecuted and jailed.
He lamented that some traditional leaders, including Emirs and District Heads are involved in banditry, adding: “it is a thing of worry that traditional leaders are part of the unholy and nefarious activities.
“They are core agents and custodians of our cultural and religious values. We will not take it. We will extend our support to governors for actions against anyone one found guilty.”
He said that government should not just remove them, but prosecute and possibly jail any one established and found culpable as disciplinary measure to check excesses on general security situation fast affecting the nation.”
Sultan Muhammad Abubakar said that he is ready to rally support for governors with impacting programme that would end all forms of security threats and challenges.
He supported dialogue with the bandits, saying: “if such approach can be embraced by the US over Taliban, why won’t our governors employ same by reaching out to the perpetrators and persuade their conviction?”
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, and his Kebbi counterpart, Atiku Bagudu were at the event.
Bagudu was represented by his deputy even as Zamfara Governor, Muhammad Bello Mutawalle was conspicuously absent at the meeting.
Emirs from Zamfara and Kebbi states were also at the meeting which was organized by the Sultanate Council in collaboration with the Sokoto state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
