Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has maintained that his government would leave no stone unturned in its drive to end the unpatriotic attitude of traders hoarding and exporting food items through communities bordering neighbouring Niger Republic, causing an artificial shortage in the state
The governor said this while addressing residents of the state at a one-day all-inclusive open-air town hall meeting on Wednesday on the current economic hardship in the state and country.
He said, ” We should all have fear of God to be able to earn His mercy and blessings in what we do.” stressing that his government will continue to drive an open-door policy approach strategy that will guarantee collective participation in order to achieve the desired goal of delivering the dividends of democracy.
“As leaders, we will remain resolute and steadfast in our solution-driven strategy towards changing the situation.”
He said all stakeholders were putting heads together on how best and most beneficial the situation can be in view of the current realities to bring succour to citizens in the state.
” We will not open our arms to allow unpatriotic persons ( especially traders) to cause hardship to the survival of other citizens.
” We will do everything humanly possible and within the law to change the situation, he vowed.
According to the governor, ” we will do everything humanly possible and within the ambit of the law to monitor and stop perpetrators.
” We have also organised a seminar where Ulamas and religious preachers spoke to traders on consequences, gains, and rewards against hoarding and exportation of food items without compassion for citizens in situations of need.
Aliyu stated at a one-day all-inclusive open-air town hall meeting on Wednesday about the current economic hardship in the state and country.
He, however, noted insecurity, hoarding, and exportation of food items to neighbouring countries in exchange for more money by shylocks as responsible for the current economic downturn.
Accordingly, the governor said the state government has since shown concern by intervening through the distribution of assorted good items and grains as palliative to PLWDs and others who are in need.
” We gave our 6,000 bags of maize and 100 bags of fertiliser to farmers, among other basic food items, to cushion the effect of hardship. We shall soon do the same to civil servants,” he explained.
Also, Sultam Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar urged the government across all levels to lead the course of preferring solutions to the current realities confronting the state and nation.
Abubakar noted that Nigerians were facing real economic hardship, which demanded collectively beneficial solutions to the challenges.
Others who also spoke commended the giant strides and initiatives of the governor for running an all-inclusive government, including heads and members of resident communities, students, youth, and social groups. Chaos and NGOs, among others, noted that Sokoto State was fast on track to greatness, applauding Aliyu Sokoto’s foresight for transformation.
