On security agents and sanitation in Kaduna

I wish to say that happenings in the state have since vindicated Dr Gumi.  During the last sanitation exercise, which takes place every last Saturday of the month in Kaduna State, security forces harassed and manhandled a journalist working with a television station in the state.  I nearly cried when the journalist was shown on […]

I wish to say that happenings in the state have since vindicated Dr Gumi.  During the last sanitation exercise, which takes place every last Saturday of the month in Kaduna State, security forces harassed and manhandled a journalist working with a television station in the state.  I nearly cried when the journalist was shown on television in his blood-soaked cloth narrating his experience.
The fact that he showed his identity card did not stop the overzealous ‘Man O War’ and soldiers to treat him as if he was a suspected terrorist. I have always observed the evil partnership between sanitation officials and security forces where motorists are extorted in the name of fine. People are made to pay a fine of N500 to be allowed to reach their destination.
Why should someone travelling through Kaduna State be made to stop for two hours? What has the sanitation exercise got to do with his journey? The authorities concerned need to review their tactics.
Although the sanitation exercise is suppose to last between 8am and 10am, motorists passing through Kaduna are blocked from passing the tall gate as early as 7am, so that by the time the sanitation officials arrive there will be many people to be extorted. The soldiers are happy doing this because of the apparent gratification they receive from sanitation officials.
Keeping the environment clean is important, but if the entire sanitation exercise can be suspended to allow PDP members passing through Kaduna to Abuja participate in the last PDP convention, then those on essential duties, like the journalist that was harassed, must be allowed to do their work. The exercise has also become ineffective as youths use the time to play soccer on the streets.
Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero must do something to ensure that sanitation officials and security forces don’t maltreat the people. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (both in Kaduna and the national level) should also ensure that justice is done to their member. The security agencies must also monitor the conduct of their members because they can’t claim to be friends of the same people they are harassing without any reason.
Daiyiba Ibrahim Garba, Kabala Road, T/Wada, Kaduna.