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From Mohammed Abubakar, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has warned operatives of the state Hisbah Board against constituting themselves into an alternative law enforcement agency or taking the law into their own hands while performing their duties.
The governor gave the warning in an address to participants at the closing ceremony of a weeklong training for over 2,600 newly recruited Hisbah operatives at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse.
Namadi, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, stressed that the operatives must carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the laws of the country.
He, however, reiterated the commitment of the state government to creating an enabling environment for youths to engage in productive activities that would discourage them from anti-social behaviour.
According to him, the decision to recruit the 2,600 personnel was a demonstration of the government’s determination to strengthen security, promote peace and reinforce good moral values across communities in the state.
Namadi described the responsibilities of the Hisbah Board as “serious”, urging the operatives to demonstrate patience, honesty, fairness, compassion and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“You are expected to demonstrate patience, honesty, fairness, compassion and professionalism, as well as showing respect for the people you are expected to serve.
“Always remember that the responsibility entrusted to you is from Almighty Allah and from the people of Jigawa State.
“You must, therefore, exercise that authority with wisdom and restraint and in accordance with the law. Do not allow anger, personal interest, political considerations or material considerations to affect the way you carry out your responsibilities,” he said.
The governor said the establishment of the Hisbah Board was aimed at creating a society where people could live in peace, security and mutual respect.
He charged the operatives to prioritise counselling, awareness creation and peaceful resolution of disputes before enforcement, whenever circumstances permit.
“Where dialogue and reconciliation could resolve issues, they should be encouraged, and where a matter falls beyond your purview, it should be referred to the appropriate authorities as prescribed by the law,” he said.
Namadi also challenged the board to strengthen its operations and collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS).
He said continuous job creation and empowerment opportunities for the state’s teeming youth population would ensure that they were productively engaged and discouraged from criminal and anti-social activities.
“If we provide our young people with quality education, skills, empowerment, employment opportunities and proper guidance, we will significantly control many of the challenges facing our societies and communities today,” he said.
The Chairman of the Board, Malam Bala Ibrahim, said the establishment of the Hisbah Board followed several months of planning, describing its revival as a dream come true.
Ibrahim, who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), commended Governor Namadi for his vision in reviving the board.
He assured the people of Jigawa State that the board would remain committed to its mandate and would not deviate from its set objectives.
