The Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah, Kano State, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, has urged the government to prosecute drug offenders decisively, warning that weak enforcement is fuelling social vices.
Pakistan said failure to ensure that drug offenders face appropriate legal consequences was contributing to the worsening social problems confronting Kano State.
He spoke when the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
The former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said effective prosecution must form a major part of the government’s response to drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Pakistan commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for establishing the task force, describing it as a strategic move against the drug menace.
He said curbing the sale and consumption of illicit drugs would help tackle several social and security challenges confronting the state.
The JIBWIS chairman pledged the organisation’s support for the task force and urged other stakeholders to join the campaign.
He specifically called for direct engagement with suspected thugs and other vulnerable youths across communities.
Pakistan advised the task force to use ward and village heads to organise the meetings and involve Islamic scholars and respected elders in counselling the youths.
He said religious leaders could help warn young people about the consequences of drug abuse, violence and other social vices.
Pakistan stressed that government agencies alone could not win the fight against drug abuse without the support of religious, traditional and community leaders.
He also pledged to mobilise members of the Ulama to pray for the success of the task force.
Earlier, Rimin Gado said the visit was part of the task force’s strategy to build partnerships with influential stakeholders.
He described the Ulama as critical partners because of their influence in mobilising communities and shaping public awareness.
Rimin Gado said the task force would continue engaging religious and traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent drug abuse and combat illicit trafficking.
He expressed appreciation to Pakistan for his commitment to supporting the task force’s campaign in Kano.