Zamfara Orders NGOs To Leave, Vows To Prosecute Violators

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by high rate of influx of Non Governmental Organizations, (NGO) to the State, Zamfara State Government has halted any form of relationship with any of them as it ordered  all NGOs to leave the state immediately.

Government has also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop any further relationships with any NGO, as punitive measures will be taken against any of them found still relating with them.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs on Tuesday in Gusau.

The statement reads : ‘’This is to notify the general public that government has observed with utmost dismay, the recent high influx of Non-Governmental Organisations into the state.

“They carry out illegal activities that contravened the existing laws of government. It is further noted that majority of these illegal NGOs have not registered with the state in line with the laid down rules and regulations of government.

“Some of them have also been found to be engaging in activities fueling insecurity in the state and its neighbourhood.

‘’Henceforth, the government orders all NGOs in the state to pack their belongings and leave the state immediately.

“Ministries and Departments of government have been ordered to stop any further relationships with any NGO, as punitive measures will be taken against any MDAs found having any relationships with such NGOs.

‘’Security Agencies in the state are by this announcement directed to be vigilante to the NGOs.

“Yes. but Security Agencies are hereby directed to investigate and prosecute any NGO operating in the state without due clearance from designated authorities. Results of such prosecutions to be forwarded to this Ministry for records please.’’