Security operatives were drafted around the Sokoto state House of Assembly as the public hearing on the new local government and other laws began on Monday.
Our reporter who attended the hearing observed well armed security operatives at the entrance of the house and along its roads but no restriction imposed on motorists and other road users.
Similarly, people were allowed into the house to participate in the hearing. Students’ unions, Civil Society Organizations, among others were at the assembly.
Two hearings were conducted on the new Sokoto Zakkat and Waqf Agency and Tenancy law.
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During the hearing on the new Zakkat law, the state’s Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Binji, allayed the fear raised by some quarters that the new law would make the state lose intervention and support from foreign donors.
In the amended law, the Sokoto State Zakkat and Waqf (Endowment) Commission was changed to Sokoto State Waqf Agency.
According to Binji, the new law would not temper with the function of the commission. He said it was only the name that was changed.
Earlier, the chairman House Committee on Religious Affairs and member representing Yabo constituency, Abubakar Shamaki, assured that the house would not do anything contrary to the wishes and yearnings of the people of the state.
He, however, urged the participants to bare their minds without any fear on the amendment.
Some of the participants said they were having a different view on the law before the clarification of the Attorney General.
The hearing on the new local government law is coming up on Tuesday while that of Prohibition of Discrimination Against People Living with Disability is slated for Wednesday.
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