Musa Na Allah Sokoto
The Sokoto State Chairman of the Sokoto Taskforce Committee against hoarding and smuggling of foodstuffs Hon Dalhatu Sidi Mamman has warned that anyone found hoarding or smuggling food items out of the state would face the full wrought of the law.
The task force Chairman gave the warning while briefing journalists in Sokoto, adding that, the task force committee would go after warehouses said to be hoarding foodstuffs, adding that food items found there would auctioned to the public.
He said the practice of hoarding foodstuffs is against the teaching of any religion and the laws of the country, as it subjects people to hunger and untold hardship.
“We will clamp down on such perceived warehouses and shops said to be hoarding food items and those found wanting will be dealt with”
Mamman charged citizens of the state to avail his committee with vital information on warehouses said to be containing essential food items without valid documents.
“We intercepted over 20 trucks loads of grains and later released them to their owners after thorough investigation.”
According to him since the constitution of the Task Force committee by the state Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the committee has been up and doing in making sure that foodstuffs are within the reach of the citizens.
“Members of the task force committee have been actively participating in this worthy endeavour, aimed at addressing the sufferings of people as a result of activities of some selfish individuals.”
‘I wish to also express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for finding me worthy to Chair this Task Force committee which has great bearing on the socio-economic development of Sokoto State, especially at this critical moment of history.
“It is no doubt a patriotic assignment which every good citizen would like to be associated with.
“Hoarding is more often perpetrated by selfish marketers to obtain higher profits or rather “cut-throat gains” a clandestine practice that is against the doctrines of Islam, and indeed other religions.
“All laws prohibit such acts, as they subject people to untold hardships and sufferings.
“The prompt response of the Governor in constituting this Task Force, which involves other stakeholders is an indication of his responsiveness and determination to address the plight of the citizenry.
“Indeed, those who are privileged to work and associate with the Governor over the years are not by any means surprised by his immediate and prompt action.
“I am optimistic that his tenure will Insha Allah be a source of blessings and good happiness to the good people of Sokoto State.
“We are ready to at all times to render our modest contributions in promoting good governance.”
“Hoarding of food items and essential commodities is a crime against humanity and its negative impact at this moment has exposed people to untold difficulties.”
“It is undoubtedly another form of corruption. And, fighting against corruption is a key to good governance for the growth and development of the nation.
“The impact of corruption as it has now manifested in underdevelopment and poverty which more often invests by entrepreneurs impossible.
“The composition of the Task Force, involving military, paramilitary, and traditional institutions has dully indicated the importance attached to its endeavour by the State Governor.
“We have read and digested the Terms of Reference given to the Task Force, and we will draw a cogent blueprint and modalities required for the success of our assignment.”
“I wish to assure you that there will be no sacred cows in the conduct of our assignment as our driven force is to rid the State of the menace for the interest of the Government and good people of the State.
“We are soliciting the assistance of all patriotic groups and individuals to give intelligence information that will lead to identifying warehouses and stores where commodities were being hoarded in the state.
“The Task Force will be glad to protect the identity of persons or whistle-blowers who give useful information that will lead to the arrest of owners of such warehouses.”
