Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has directed an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such activities illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable.
The directive follows reports that the group allegedly intimidated, harassed, extorted and imposed of unauthorised rules on residents.
He warned all persons involved to desist from such conduct or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The governor stressed that Plateau has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, and that no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law.
He stated that government would not permit the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state.
In a statement on Sunday by Dr Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mutfwang declared that “No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law.”
Governor Mutfwang therefore directed the security agencies in the State to identify, arrest and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and prosecute them if found guilty.
The Governor however stated that “this directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
“The issue before the Government is solely one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority. Every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
“Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme,” he added.
