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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Women groups in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital have commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for what they described as the impressive handling of the case involving a Jigawa-born lady, Walida Abdulhadi.
The women in their hundreds made their position known during a solidarity march in support of the DSS.
They marched from Maiqwarya roundabout, chanting songs in support of Walida and the DSS through major streets of the town, terminating at the Government House, Dutse.
The women’s group, led by the trio of Aisha Shamshudeen, Balaraba Aliyu, and Salma Abdullahi, carried banners and placards with inscriptions expressing support and confidence in the DSS.
The inscriptions include: “Thank you DSS for Standing by Walida,” “We are happy with the DSS for refusing to play politics with the plight of Walida”, and “Walida has become a test case for gender rights.”
The women, who marched to the Government House, were received by the Permanent Secretary, Audu Garba Dutse. Leaders of the coalition took turns to speak, mainly expressing their support for the way the case is being handled by the DSS.
One of the speakers, Ms. Salma Abdullahi, cited an example with how she brought to the attention of the Jigawa DSS Command, a suspected case of rape. She said the matter was diligently handled.”
On Wednesday, some other groups in Hadejia also expressed support for the secret police’s handling of the Walida issue. The residents had staged a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday at the Sambajo roundabouts in the town.
Abubakar Babangida, who spoke on behalf of the umbrella association, Hadejia Advocacy Movement, commended the governor, Mallam Nura Namadi, for making genuine moves to resolve the matter. She counselled that the focus should be on how to heal her mind and body, not inciting public disorder as the appropriate authorities are already handling the case.
