NAN-H-45
Food
Katsina, Sept. 13, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina state has directed security agencies in the state to halt illegal exportation of food items through Katsina-Niger Republic borders.
Masari gave the directive on Tuesday while receiving Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir at Government House.
He said that illegal exportation of food items had created artificial increase of price of food items and their scarcity in the state.
Masari said that if security agents at border areas stopped illegal importation of rice, there was no reason to allow exportation of food items.
“It is on record that smugglers of rice are killed daily, but no record shows of arrest of those perpetrating illegal exportation of food items,’’ he said.
He insisted that those behind illegal exportation of food items should be arrested and prosecuted.
Masari, who reviewed security situation of the state, also directed the security agencies to rise and address problem of miscreants popularly known as “Kauraye’’.
He said that activities of the miscreants were source of concern to his government and people of the state, adding that many innocent people had lost their lives.
He said that his administration would train the miscreants in different handcrafts to provide them with a source of living.
On the delay in payment of salaries, Masari blamed it on banks, and assured that the state government was working to address the problem.
He said that his administration would continue to ensure regular payment of salaries and appealed to civil servants to reciprocate by dedicating themselves to duty.
He disclosed that through contribution of some civil servants, his administration was able to save about N60 million from illegal allowances to local government workers.
Earlier, the emir had called on the state government to address delay in payment of salary to civil servants.
Kabir also called on the state government to address delay in dispensation of justice at various courts. (NAN)
SUD/OPI/OPI
(Edited by Olisa Ifeajika)