Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a prominent Islamic cleric in the North, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, have given the Federal Government tips on how to stem the rising tide of banditry, and other criminality, in the country.
The duo came up with recommendations, made known in a communiqué they jointly signed, on how to tackle banditry after a closed-door meeting that lasted for five hours at the Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, today.
According to the 21-point communiqué, Obasanjo and Gumi recommended special courts to try bandits, kidnappers and carriers of unlawful weapons in Nigeria.
They also urged the Federal Government to take the issue of insecurity up with the Economic Community of West African States.
Apart from this, Obasanjo and Gumi also recommended that whistle blowers against insecurity must be protected and rewarded
Gumi, who led some northern religious leaders to Obasanjo’s residence, however, declined to speak with newsmen when asked the reason for his visit.
The statement read in part, “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.”
