Sultan Decries Culture Of Impunity

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said in Sokoto that the nation must learn to punish offenders irrespective of their status, to ensure rapid development.

A statement by the Media Consultant to the House of Representatives Committee on Water, Mr Sunday Oyinloye, made available to newsmen, said the Sultan stated this on Wednesday when he received members of the committee in his palace.

“The problem with Nigeria is that people who commit offences are not punished. This ugly situation must be urgently redressed if we are to develop like our contemporaries across the globe.”

He said the nation must develop the will to utilise its vast water and agricultural resources, to not only earn money but also generate employment and ensure food security.

“Focusing more on the nation’s vast water and agricultural resources will surely help to stimulate the economy.”

The Sultan charged the committee to be firm in its oversight functions, saying, by so doing untapped water bodies across the country, like the Goronyo dam, would be put to better use.

“More attention should also be focused on the issue of climate change and its attendant consequences on Nigeria and Nigerians.”

The chairman of the committee , Alhaji Aliyu Bahago, had told the Sultan that the committee was in Sokoto to inspect the ongoing repair works on the Goroyo Dam, which collapsed in September, 2010, as a result of flooding.

‘’ We are also here to assess the impact of the disaster on the livelihood of the victims in Sokoto and Kebbi states and their access to relief efforts.’’

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the release of fund to rehabilitate the collapsed dam.