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Members of the Bauchi State Security Council led by the SSG, Ibrahim Kashim after its emergency meeting
By Akanji Olowolodu, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has vowed that it will not allow anyone, no his or her status in the society to disrupt the relative peace and peaceful co-existence currently being enjoyed in the state.
The Government also warnec that it is ready to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who may want to constititute himself or themselves as agents of causing disaffection among the people of the state using religious sentiments.
The assertion was made by the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG), Barr Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed while briefing Journalists after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council (SSC) which he is the Chairman of.
He warned that the Security Council will not allow religious leaders to incite and divide the people which may lead to unnecessary crises in the state.
The Chairman of the Council disclosed that there are two major issues threatening the relative peace in the state which were extensively discussed during the meeting leading to some decisions taken in order to douse the tension.
Ibrahim Kashim said that the Council also discussed the resurgence of young armed political thugs, popularly called “Sara Suka” who are attacking innocent residents as well as looting their properties unabated in recent times.
The SSG elaborated that the recent preaching by an Islamic scholar in the state, during a Ramadan Tafsir, has generated a lot of heat, reactions and counter-preachings, was also discussed extensively during the meeting, and, a position has been taken by the Council.
According to him, “As you are aware, we are just coming out of a very rigorous electioneering period, a lot of things have been happening after these elections that need a lot of security measures. We have been managing them and thank God the state is still as peaceful as it has always been.”
The SSG added that, “You are aware that there have been some murmurings and some back and forth about issues relating to a preaching and the understanding of the context of the preaching and the heat it has been generating. We have discussed the issues.”
He explained that, “On the issue of the immediate security in the state, we discussed the issue of the preaching and the counter accusation and counter preachings.”
“As far as we are concerned, it is not the issue of ideology, it is not the issue of politics but that of inciteful statements that are bound to cause division between our people,” he stressed.
Ibrahim Kashim said that, “So we have met, discussed it and we are resolved that Bauchi is a very peaceful state and we will do everything within our power to make sure that it remains peaceful.”
He stressed that, “We will not allow anybody either through actions or utterances to disrupt the peace that we have been enjoying in the state. That is why we felt it is important that we meet here today and after that, we are now briefing you, members of the press, and the public.”
The SSG then said that the Bauchi State Government was aware of its responsibilities with the major responsibility being security of lives and properties of the people of the state, and, it will never abdicate such a huge constitutional responsibility.
