Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has taken note of recent remarks by Mr. Basharu Altine Giyawa, a social media commentator, who criticized the administration’s efforts to engage in peaceful dialogue with repentant bandits as part of a broader security strategy.
State Special adviser on security to the Governor colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd) made the remarks via a statement in Sokoto, adding that while the state recognize the right of citizens to express their views, it is imperative to provide clarity and context to the policy decisions undertaken by Governor Ahmed Aliyu in pursuience of sustainable peace and security in the state.
“Governor Aliyu’s approach is a pragmatic one , a comprehensive and multi pronged security strategy that includes both military action and non violent reconciliation, in line with established national doctrines that combine kinetic and non-kinetic methods.”
“Ironically, Mr. Giyawa himself had, in the past, expressed a willingness to serve as a mediator between the state and armed groups.
“His current criticism of a similar initiative he once supported raises questions about the consistency and sincerity of his position”.
“Let us be unequivocal, “the government of Sokoto State is not negotiating out of fear or weakness. We are not trading justice for peace.
“What we are doing is adopting a human-centered approach that seeks to end violence through dialogue where possible, and force where necessary,” says Colonel Usman
This “stick-and-carrot” strategy is not only effective it is morally and strategically sound. It aligns with the lived realities of our people and the long term goal of restoring peace to our communities.”
“why does reconciliation matter? Because thousands of our citizens in Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and other affected local government areas have suffered for too long. They live with the trauma of displacement, lost livelihoods, and shattered families.
” Farming, the backbone of our rural economy, has come to a standstill in many of these areas. Food production has plummeted, contributing to inflation and deepening the economic hardship across the state.”
He said, the government’s objective is clear, restore peace, resettle displaced families, and revive local economies.
This requires a balanced approach that combines firm security action with meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration of those who genuinely renounce violence.
“We are not offering a free pass. Every act of reconciliation is guided by strict supervision, vetting processes, and structured rehabilitation programs. Those who violate the terms face the full weight of the law.”
“This is not appeasement. This is strategic reconciliation, the only path to lasting peace and development. Military action alone cannot solve a crisis rooted in poverty, illiteracy, and marginalization.”
“We urge our critics, including Mr. Giyawa, to engage constructively. The challenges we face as a state demand unity, not division; thoughtful dialogue, not baseless condemnation.”
According to him, the people of Sokoto deserve peace. They deserve leaders who will pursue every viable avenue to secure their lives and livelihoods. That is what Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration is doing with courage, responsibility, and vision.
