…hold closed-door meeting in Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and renowned Islamic cleric, Dr Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, have called for the establishment of special courts for prosecuting bandits, kidnappers and those found in illegal possession of firearms in the country.
Obasanjo and Gumi stated this in a joint communique they issued after their closed-door meeting at the Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
The Islamic cleric, who led some northern religious leaders to Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, arrived around 11am and left at 4pm. He, however, declined to speak with newsmen on the reason behind his visit to Obasanjo.
But in the 21-point communique jointly issued after their meeting, Obasanjo and Gumi also enjoined the Federal Government to take the issue of insecurity up with the Economic Community of West African States.
They also recommended adequate protection and reward for whistle blowers against insecurity.
According to the communique, “Federal Government should take the issue up seriously within ECOWAS to work for a regional solution.
“Every community must be encouraged and empowered to stand firm and strong against criminals.
“There should be protection and reward covertly for whistleblowers against criminals living in the community.
“Special courts should be created to deal promptly with cases of banditry, kidnapping, ransom demanding and unlawful carrying of weapons.
“Let the slogan be: Security is the responsibility of all Nigerians.
“We agree to continue to work together for solutions for the security of Nigeria and to seek others to join us as we widely circulate our joint statement.”