By ADAMU ABDULLAHI
IN a move aimed at strengthening the operation of Sharia in Kano, 9,000 trained Hisba guards were yesterday inaugurated by the state government.
In a keynote address, the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, disclosed that since assumption in office, his administration has concentrated on reviewing the laws affecting the operation of Sharia system.
Malam Shekarau stressed that the delay in establishing the Hisba guards in the state since the implementation of Sharia in 2000, was due to the desire of the government to have one body charged with that responsibility.
He added that the desire to have credible people through screening, training and enacting the law guiding the operation of the Hisbah guards were behind the delay of inaugurating the guards earlier than now.
Governor Shekarau pointed out that some of the laws reviewed by the government included sale and consumption of alcohol, prostitution and road traffic regulation with a view to conforming with the Sharia principles.
The governor further revealed that the first step toward successful implementation of Sharia in the state was the enactment of the law backing the establishment of Sharia, Zakat and Khubsi commissions as well as Hisbah Board.
Malam Shekarau told the Hisbah guards that the reason for inaugurating them is to assist the police in converting menace of social vices and all forms of crimes in the state.
He argued that unless the police accord full support and cooperation to the Hisbah guards, their duty would have not been successful.
Governor Shekarau explained that the Nigerian constitution disallows the formation of state police, therefore Hisbah guards were established to assist them.
To this end, Governor Shekarau called on the police and other security agents to support the Hisbah and regard them as partners in combating crime and other social vices in the state.
He also urged the guards to be God-fearing in the discharge of their duty, while pledging to ensure regular training and workshops for the guards.
