By Bello Shehu Tamaje
Recently, there has been much fuss about a belligerent young lady named Hamdiyya who visited a village in Wurno, ostensibly to distribute relief materials to the inhabitants. Under the guise of humanitarian support, she sought permission from the village head to assemble the people for the so-called relief distribution. However, the entire visit quickly deviated from her stated purpose, as her actions revealed a hidden agenda that sought to exploit the villagers’ vulnerabilities.
Rather than distributing the promised aid, Hamdiyya launched into a campaign, attempting to sway villagers with her criticisms of the Sokoto State government. She portrayed the government as having failed to provide basic amenities and as lacking concern for the security of its people.
This crusade was clearly designed to stir dissatisfaction among the villagers, casting the state administration in a negative light. What was supposed to be a humanitarian visit instead turned into a platform for spreading discord and undermining the community’s faith in their leaders.
It is completely out of place for an organization claiming humanitarian intentions to engage in such acts. Any organization dedicated to assisting displaced persons and underprivileged communities should operate with neutrality and respect for public order. Instead, Hamdiyya’s rhetoric encouraged villagers to take matters into their own hands, suggesting that they seize any public property or assets they could find.
This deliberate provocation indicates that she may have been working with the backing of certain opposition elements, aiming to destabilize the area under the pretence of a relief mission.
Given the potential for disorder her actions incited, local authorities and community guards swiftly intervened. The police, acting on reports of her instigative behavior, appropriately took her into custody. It is the duty of law enforcement to prevent any situation that could lead to public unrest, and in this case, the police deserve commendation for maintaining peace in a potentially volatile situation.
Despite this, some opposition figures have attempted to frame the incident as an authoritarian response by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who, in fact, was away on official duty and had no knowledge of the arrest.
This incident draws attention to the troubling legacy left by the previous administration in Sokoto State. Under the administration, rural development was largely neglected, leaving many communities lacking essential infrastructure and services.
The inattention to rural areas has fuelled discontent among these communities, creating an environment that opportunists like Hamdiyya can exploit to push their own agendas. Without adequate road access, water supply or healthcare facilities, the rural populace was left vulnerable and marginalized, a stark contrast to the current administration’s focus on holistic development.
Beyond rural development, the past government also failed to prioritize education for Sokoto State’s youth. Despite the critical importance of education in fostering socioeconomic growth, the previous administration neglected to pay student bursaries, exams fees and registration for tertiary students.
These oversights have contributed to the disenfranchisement of Sokoto’s young population, further widening the gap between urban and rural communities.
The current administration under Governor Ahmed Aliyu faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring equitable development. He is committed to restoring order, fostering inclusive growth, and creating a Sokoto where rural and urban citizens alike can prosper. Hamdiyya’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the harm caused by political opportunists who exploit genuine grievances for personal or political gain.
Rather than indulging in acts of defiance or disorder, the public should support efforts focused on constructive engagement and progress.
It is difficult to comprehend why certain individuals would condone disruptive behavior from misguided youths, particularly when such actions risk spreading disrespect and indiscipline throughout society.
By encouraging young people to flout authority and disrespect public order, individuals like Hamdiyya only hinder the state’s growth and well-being. To support her actions is to enable the erosion of values that underpin peace and stability in Sokoto.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains committed to addressing the challenges left by his predecessor, determined to make up for the neglect and missteps of the past eight years. Rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric, he encourages every citizen of Sokoto to contribute positively to the state’s development. His administration will continue prioritizing peace, stability, and progress, ensuring that Sokoto’s legacy reflects resilience, not rancor.
Tamaje.writes from Sokoto Liberal Democrats Media Foundation, SOLID
