The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., has directed an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisba in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such activities illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable in Plateau State.
The directive follows reports of activities allegedly involving intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents. Governor Mutfwang warned all persons involved to immediately 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 State has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority. He said no individual or group has the right to assume powers not conferred upon it by law.
He stated that government will 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.
“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,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang has therefore directed security agencies in the state to identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities. He said where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, those responsible should be arrested and prosecuted, including persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting such unlawful activities.
He further directed the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations necessary to establish the identity and activities of those involved, and to ensure residents are protected from intimidation, harassment, extortion or any other form of unlawful coercion.
The Governor made clear that the directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. He said Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
According to him, the issue before 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 daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to members of the public who brought the reported activities to the attention of authorities, and assured residents that his administration will continue to take every credible security concern seriously.
He reaffirmed that the protection of the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang said he will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme.
Gov Mutfwang Declares Unauthorised Hisba Activities Illegal, Orders Security Agencies To Act
