NSGF ban unlawful procession, says Elzakzaky may be prosecuted
By; Abdull-Azeez Ahmed Kadir, Kaduna.
Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) has banned arbitrary blockades of highways through unauthorized processions and hence processions must be with Police permit and protection as prescribed by law just it hinted that the spiritual leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’ite) may be prosecuted for crimes against the state.
Rising after its emergency meeting held in Kaduna to discuss the Zaria Shi’ite, Army clash, the forum gave a 9-point resolution in its communiqué read by the Forum Chairman and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima.
The Governors said they were worried by the Zaria incidents and resolved to support Kaduna State Government in its effort to address the situation and review the situations as it pertains to their states.
They also noted that the incident though local has the potential to degenerate into a sub-0national and national security challenge.
As a result and after analyzing and reviewing the situations, they resolved by reaffirming that “all Nigerians should respect the law and constituted authority; and that every organization, religious organization, religious or social should operate within the confine of the law.
“Endorsed all the steps taken so far by the Kaduna State Government to contain the situation.
“Commends and supports the Governor of Kaduna State for the decision to constitute a judicial Commission of Inquiry to examine the remote and immediate causes of the Zaria incident.”
The Governors also reassured the citizens of its readiness to maintain law and order while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens to practice their faith in a manner devoid of infringing the rights of others.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to take measures to revive and grow the economies of Northern States to create jobs and other opportunities as efforts are already in top gear to revive agriculture and industries related to it.
Nigerians irrespective of differences in political, religious, sectional or ethnic background “to coalesce into a single unit and collectively fight our common tragedies of poverty, destitution and illiteracy. The problems confronting us go beyond politics. We should unite to confront ourb common challengers”.
The Forum appealed to the media to exercise restraint, decorum and avoid inflaming passions or stoking the embers of division ans intolerance while encouraging the citizens tp report suspicions and concerns to constituted authority.
Answering questions from joiurnalists, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai pf Kaduna State said Elzakzaky may be prosecuted because he broke laws and committed crimes against the state and Federal Governments.
El-Rufai assured and warned that his administration as well as his colleagues would not entertain anything outside the constitution.
The meeting was attended by the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto States. Benue was represented by his deputy while Nasarawa was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
