The Kaduna State Government has banned all forms of procession and rallies on roads and public facilities by individuals or organisations.
The ban followed the recent bloody clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Zaria, which left scores of people dead.
In a state-wide broadcast on Thursday night, the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warned that no person or group under any guise, would be allowed to block any road, obstruct public highways, occupy public facilities or inconvenience citizens in the State.
Judicial Commission of Inquiry
The Governor while noting that citizens or groups have the freedom of movement and association, however emphasised that anybody or group that may want to embark on any procession could only do so, with the prior knowledge and protection of the police to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Governor El-Rufai also announced that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry would be constituted in two weeks’ time to examine the immediate and remote causes of the Zaria incident, in order to assemble a factual and authoritative account that the government could study and act upon.
The governor said that the composition and terms of reference of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry would be announced within two weeks.
He assured the people of the state that the government was committed to securing the state and upholding the rights of every citizen.
“Everyone has a fundamental right to their faiths and beliefs, but no one has any right to practice their faith in ways that diminish, distress or inconvenience others,” the Governor stressed.
He further said he would not tolerate any escalation of lawlessness.
“The government continues to invest heavily in security as a foundation for the successful execution of our economic and social agenda to develop Kaduna State.
“We all should jointly say no to actions that divide people, reject conduct that ignores or violates the legal and constitutional rights of others and oppose practices that contest the prerogatives of state institutions to safeguard and protect every citizen,” Governor El-Rufai said pointing out that the State had endured too many upheavals in its recent history.
The governor reassured citizens that they could go about their normal activities, but urged them to remain vigilant and be prompt in reporting of any suspicions.
He concluded the broadcast with a plea for peace, saying: “Let us all redouble our commitment to sustaining the peace, and to uphold each other in our God-given humanity”.