The Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah, Kano State, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, has called for firm and decisive action against drug offenders, saying effective prosecution of those involved in drug abuse and illicit trafficking is critical to addressing the growing degeneration of society.
This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Lamara Garba, Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee of the Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
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According to the statement, Prof. Pakistan, a former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, made the call when the Chairman of the Kano State Multi Agency Task force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi RiminGado, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano on Wednesday.
“Inadequate prosecution of drug offenders is one of the major factors contributing to the worsening social challenges in society. The government should ensure that offenders face appropriate legal consequences,” Prof. Pakistan was quoted as saying.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for establishing the Task Force, describing the initiative as an important and strategic step towards confronting the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
“If government could effectively control the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, many of the social vices and security challenges confronting the state will be significantly addressed,” he said.
The former NAHCON boss pledged the full support of the JIBWIS to the Task Force and urged all stakeholders to join the campaign against drug abuse in the state.
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He also advised the Task Force to organise a special engagement with identified thugs and other vulnerable groups in various communities, using ward and village heads to facilitate the meetings.
According to him, Islamic scholars and respected elders from the affected communities should be invited to such engagements to preach, counsel and admonish the youths on the dangers of drug abuse, violence and other social vices.
He stressed that the fight against drug abuse was a collective responsibility that required the involvement of government agencies, religious leaders, traditional institutions, community leaders, parents and other stakeholders.
Prof. Pakistan further pledged to mobilise members of the Ulama to offer prayers for the success of the Task Force and the campaign against drug abuse in Kano State.
He also prayed for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing the establishment of the Task force as a strategic initiative in confronting a major challenge facing the society.
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Earlier, the Chairman of the Task force, Barrister Muhuyi Rimingado, said the visit was part of the Taskforce’s strategic engagement with critical stakeholders towards building partnerships and securing the support required to achieve its mandate.
Rimingado described the Ulama as strategic partners in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, noting that religious leaders have significant influence in mobilising communities and creating awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
