By Mustapha Abdurra’uf Tukur
The recent outpour of responses by the court of public opinion about the recent raid orchestrated by the Hisbah police in Kano was predictable. We live in an era of opinions, many of which are built not on concrete evidence and thorough understanding but on political and religious sentiments.
I will start by commending the good work done by the Kano State government in reappointing Sheik Aminu Daurawa to spearhead the activities of the Hisbah board. Considering his antecedents in Kano that inspired the same in other northern states, Daurawa genuinely deserved it. The Hisbah under his watch has started again by organising the mass wedding, which fits the stick and carrot approach in problem-solving.
However, as we continue to press down on amoral and delinquent activities, care must be taken not to dent the image of Kano and further plunge its economic viability and business friendliness to a lower ebb. The recent land issues didn’t help the cause.
Standards abound that could be set and upheld within the confines of law and human rights, which, fortunately, Islam upholds in very high esteem. As a student of knowledge, one comes to understand the care Islam gives in protecting dignity and using ethical and deliberate means to entice those astray back to its fold.
The laws establishing Hisbah as a government agency should be revisited such that powers be vested in them to be included in the licensing of the hospitality sector to ensure compliance with the religion and tradition of Kano.
As we seek to redress the amoral activities in this generation, particularly youths and underaged kids, who are constantly being involved in delinquencies, the best ways to tackle such is to enhance the scope the power and refine the activities of moral institutions, particularly in a conservative state like Kano.
A comprehensive law that protects such rights will propel Kano towards its full potential, making it much more peaceful and beautiful. Fulfilling the quotable of our mentor, Prof. Uba Abdallah, who professed, “He who is tired of Kano is tired of life…”
Allah ya ƙarawa Kano albarka.
Mustapha Abdurra’uf Tukur wrote via musteetk@gmail.com
