The Sokoto State government has recanted its earlier position on disbanding the state Shariah police, Hisbah, saying government only directed them to harmonize their operations.
The commissioner for Religious Affairs, Mani Katami, had told NAN earlier on Sunday that following crisis that rocked the Shariah commission, the state government has disbanded it.
Mr. Katami disclosed that the decision was taken on Saturday during a meeting with the leadership of three factions in the commission and the officials of ministries of religious affairs and Justice.
The commissioner’s statement came a few days after Hisbah seized musical instruments played during the wedding ceremony of Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s daughter.
But in a statement Sunday night by the Secretary to the State Government, Bashir Garba, the government said the leadership of the commission was still intact and no decision regarding outlawing the group was taken.
Read the full statement here…
Re: Sokoto disbands Hisbah Commission
The attention of Sokoto State Government has been drawn to stories in the media to the effect that the State Hisbah Commission has been disbanded.
The Government wishes to clarify that the operations of the State Hisbah Commission, which is a creation of the law, has not been suspended. Similarly, it should be noted that the leadership of the Commission is still in place and have not been suspended from duty.
By the provisions of the law establishing the Hisbah Commission, only the State Governor has the right to remove any member of the Commission from his/her duty, which in this case, nothing of such has happened.
For the records, the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a meeting with the leadership of the three factions claiming authority over Hisbah Commission in the State. An agreement was reached to harmonise their operations for the benefit of the citizenry.
That process is still on, and further communication will be made after due consultations with relevant stakeholders.
We implore journalists to always cross-check all issues with designated authorities before proceeding to press.
Professor Bashir Garba OFR
Secretary to the State Government
