From Layi Olanrewaju,Ilorin
Kwara Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has warned that he will not hesitate to sanction any traditional ruler or constituted authority found to be contributing to the outbreak of conflict in communities in the state.
Ahmed handed down the warning, yesterday, when he inaugurated a seven-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Illoffa/Odo-Owa communal clash at Government House, Ilorin. He said the state sustained its reputation as a state of harmony for years, despite multiplicity of people and cultures and would not allow avoidable communal strive to jeopardize the welfare of citizens or tarnish the state’s image.
The governor said previous conflicts have demonstrated that communal clashes in the state could have been avoided through proactive measures by the leadership of the respective communities.
“It is indeed worrisome that the clash brought in its trail wanton destruction of lives and property as if the conflict was planned and rehearsed. As a government which sworn to protect the welfare and security of citizens, we cannot allow this avoidable loss to continue”.
He urged the commission to handle its assignment with dispatch and objectivity and report back to the government within one month with the hope that their report will provide guidance on how to minimise, if not eradicate, such occurrence in the state.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, noted that the state had just celebrated 50th anniversary of peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship saying war and crisis do not fit into the future envisaged by the state. He said government took a decisive step of imposing curfew on the two communities, to forestall escalation of the crisis and restore law and order.
In his remarks, chairman of the commission, Justice Sulaiman Durosinlohun Kawu, who is also the chief judge of the state, promised to abide by the oath, terms of reference and the stipulated time.
Other members include Emir of Shonga, Alhaji Ndanusa Haliru Yahaya, Mrs Funsho Dada Lawal, Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Taiye Oniyide, representatives of commissioner of police and Department of State Security. The Permanent Secretary, Political, Cabinet and Special Services, Governor’s Office, Elder David Adesina, will serve as secretary.
Ends