CSOs call for caution in Zamfara

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State to be circumspect in the planned recruitment of 8,500 Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the state.

In separate interviews with reporters in Abuja, the Good Governance Team (GGT) and Partners West Africa - Nigeria, expressed apprehension on the planned recruitment, especially in the wake of the 2019 general elections.

The National Coordinator of GGT, Mr. Tunde Salman, said the move was suspicious and capable of undermining peace in the state.

“Recruitment few months to the general elections could be seen as institutional vote buying or deployed to create fiscal and political obstacle to undermine their successors. Most of our political leaders are very mischievous,” Salman said.

On her part, the Executive Director of Partners West Africa -Nigeria, Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, said it was worrisome for someone to engage an informal policing group, especially as the 2019 elections were close.

“One needs to find out what has changed between 2016 and now. The underlying motive for recruitment and control of informal policing groups (which vigilante groups is a typology) is the source of worry. They can be used as political thugs as the 2019 elections get closer,” she warned.