Katsina State Acting Governor, Mallam Jobe, Sues for Peace In Ongoing Protests As Coalition Of Civil Society Organizations Dissociate from Nationwide Protests

Katsina State Acting Governor

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Acting Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Mallam Faruq Lawal Jobe, sues for peaceful dialogue and constitutional means of addressing grievances during his address at the annual “Yaumush Shukr” (Day of Thanksgiving) held at the People’s Square, Katsina.

This is contained in a statement from the Media Directorate of Katsina Government House.

According to the statement, Acting Governor Jobe, in his address, stated, “I urge our esteemed traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and all citizens to discourage the use of protests as a means of expressing grievances.

“Instead, let us utilize the constitutional channels available for government consideration.

“Parents must remain vigilant and protect their children from being manipulated into causing disunity under the guise of protests.”

Acknowledging the current economic challenges, Jobe added, “We are acutely aware of the hardships facing not only Katsina but the entire country.

“Our government has taken various measures to alleviate citizens’ suffering, including the provision of palliatives and subsidized grains and fertilizers.”

Speaking on the significance of Yaumush Shukr, the Acting Governor explained, “This annual event allows us to express our gratitude for Allah’s blessings and renew our prayers for peaceful coexistence in our great state.

“Katsina has a proud legacy of producing eminent personalities who have contributed significantly to our nation’s growth and development.

“It is for this reason that we conduct special prayer sessions in the state capital and all 34 local government areas every August 1st.”

The event featured prayers led by prominent religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Imam Gambo Mustapha; the Chairman of the State Council of Ulamas, Sheikh Nazir Kofar Baru; representative of Munazzama, Sheikh Hadi Balarabe; Representative of Izala, Sheikh Muhammad Aliyu Baba; representative of Qadriyya Sect, Mohammed Rufa’i; representative of Fityanul Islam, Mallam Buhari Lawal; Sheikh Ahmed Muhammed Sukairaj and Dr. Ismael Zakariyya Al-Kashnawi among others.

Meanwhile, in a significant move underscoring civic engagement and peaceful dialogue, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Katsina State has formally dissociated itself from the ongoing nationwide protests.

Instead, the group has chosen to present a comprehensive position paper to the Acting Governor, Malam Faruq Jobe, outlining key areas requiring government attention to alleviate current economic hardships.

During a press briefing following the presentation, Acting Governor Jobe commended the coalition’s approach, stating, “Presenting this position paper is the most civilized way to voice concerns rather than taking to the streets.

“We are pleased to see our civil society organizations leading by example.”

The Acting Governor emphasized the importance of written complaints as the most effective channel for communicating grievances to the government.

He noted that while Thursday’s protests were relatively peaceful in Katsina compared to some other states, he urged parents to discourage their children from being manipulated by groups seeking to create unrest.

Reaffirming the state administration’s commitment to addressing security challenges and economic hardships, Malam Jobe expressed appreciation for the role played by traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society organizations, in discouraging protests.

Abdulrahman Abdullahi Dutsinma, Chairman of the Coalition, presented the position paper, suggesting a return to fuel subsidies as the best option to address inflation and economic hardship.

“Provision of any form of palliative would not effectively address or reduce the high cost of commodities,” Dutsinma stated.

Also speaking, Shehu Kofar Soro advocated for an upward review of scholarship allowances to help students with transportation costs.

In furtherance to this, Fatima Sanda who’s also a member of the coalition of civil society organization called for measures to combat the vandalization of public facilities, particularly the theft of metal objects and copper wires from electrical infrastructure.

The Acting Governor assured the coalition that their recommendations would be given due consideration as the government works towards sustainable solutions to the current challenges facing the state.