Gov Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state has again challenged President Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo on their earlier promise to correct the imbalance in the composition of religious affiliations at the on-going National Conference.
According to a press statement issued by the state’s Commissioner of Information, Nasir Danladi Bako, Wamakko was speaking at a workshop for Imams and Traditional rulers on the Islamic position on Street begging organized by the Sokoto Sultanate Council and the Ministry of Religious Affairs held today and chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto.
“When the President came to Sokoto, it was mentioned to him and he promised to redress the situation; he hasn’t till date. The Vice-President was here and in the presence of the Sultan, he promised to rectify it; till date nothing has been done” Wamakko stated.
The Governor challenged the Federal Government to demonstrate justice and equity on the issue, because, according to him, many years from now observers or analysts can take the documents emanating as reports and draw conclusions that are misleading.
The Governor admonished Islamic preachers on to discourage the sending out of children under their care to go and engage in begging as a means of livelihood.
Wamakko insisted that the menace of street begging had become a cankerworm that needs to be eradicated as soon as possible, because the stigma attached to this menace was unduly affecting the image of northerners, especially Hausa/Fulani Muslims and attracting odium and disdain from other Nigerians.
Sultan Abubakar, on his part, advised Imams and Preachers to stick to the teachings of the Holy Quran especially as it affects begging and other social maladies.
The Sultan further encouraged the state government to further enroll more almajiris in the present arrangement which the State Government has successfully executed so for.
The workshop, which had other top Islamic preachers in attendance, also collectively praised Governor Aliyu Wamakko for his untiring efforts at the propagation of Islam and revival of our cultural values and the regeneration of social justice and equity in the social fabric of the state.
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