By Ado Salisu
The Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Kano State, Professor 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.
Professor Pakistan, a former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), made the call when the Chairman of the Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
He identified what he described as inadequate prosecution of drug offenders as one of the major factors contributing to the worsening social challenges in society, urging government to ensure that offenders face appropriate legal consequences.
Professor Pakistan 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.
He said if government could effectively control the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, many of the social vices and security challenges confronting the state would be significantly addressed.
The JIBWIS chairman pledged the full support of the organisation to the Task Force and urged all stakeholders to join the campaign against drug abuse.
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.
Professor 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.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the visit was part of the Task Force’s strategic engagement with critical stakeholders towards building partnerships and securing the support required to achieve its mandate.
Rimin Gado 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.
He said the Task Force would continue to engage religious and traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders in its efforts to prevent drug abuse, combat illicit trafficking and protect young people from the consequences of drug-related activities.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to Professor Pakistan for his willingness to support the Task Force, stressing that the collaboration would strengthen community mobilisation, public enlightenment and the collective response to the drug menace in Kano State.
