Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has formally inaugurated the State Hisbah Commission, with Dr. Usman Jatau as the state Hisbah Commander.
The governor, however, warned the Hisbah personnel against violating the rights of citizens, saying they should focus on promoting Islamic norms, culture, morals, discipline, and values in line with Islamic tenets, and concentrate on societal re-orientation, and peacebuilding.
He said the government would closely monitor the activities of the commission to prevent misconduct, intimidation, or harassment of citizens.
The Syndicate reports that Hisbah’s operations had suffered setback and neglect during the administration of Aminu Tambuwal.
“Islam abhors satanic behaviors and attitudes in all their forms,” he said, adding that the Hisbah Commission will be encouraged to rid the state of social vices driven by negative morals and attitudes.”
“Promoting religious activities is a cornerstone of my administration’s nine-point agenda,” the governor added, and pledged to give religious affairs the attention it deserve.
“Hisbah is not a state police force but an organized body established to sanitize Muslims in the state,” Governor Aliyu clarified, assuring that it will not be a rival to conventional security agencies.
“Any arrests made by Hisbah will be handed over to the respective security agency for onward prosecution in a court of law.”
He also said that the government would procure operational vehicles and motorcycles, provide monthly allocation to the commission, and open Hisbah offices in all local government areas in the state.
