Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional Council (CMMRC) Restructuring in Sokoto State

The meeting had in attendance 24 participants representing various organizations in Sokoto comprising of 8 females and 16 males. These consist of Shiek Rufai, a representative of Council of Islamic schools in Sokoto, General Manager, Rima radio Sokoto, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) representative, Secretary, National Orientation Agency, ASP Ibrahim Sani, and others.

Successes recorded by the Council from inception include:

·        Reduced violence during general elections in Sokoto.

·        Reduction in the number of youths involved in drug abuse.Improved relationship between Muslims and Christians in Sokoto state.

Challenges

·        Poor commitment of the leadership of CMMRC in carrying out its responsibilities

·        Inactive CMMRC leadership in Sokoto state

Recommendations

·        Prompt retirement by CMMRC members

·         sending up to date  report of activities carried out to IMC

·        More training and retraining in conflict management and mitigation

·        New initiatives so as to keep the committee running smoothly

·        Regular visit and collaboration with media outlet to expand their reach in the state

·        Need for exchange visit to CMMRC in other TOLERANCE states to share experiences.

Afterwards, there was inauguration of 5 new excos into the CMMRC which was unanimously agreed on by participants. The new chairman, Professor Isa Muhammed Maishanu stressed that he has developed interest in interfaith relationship. He also advised members on the need to study each other’s religion so as to understand how they can interact with one another peacefully.

Other issues discussed after the inauguration include:

·        The need for the new CMMRC to always carryout media programs so that its functions would be well known in the state.

·        The negative role that drug and substance abuse play in fuelling conflicts.

·        The need to educate women about peaceful coexistence and the importance of educating their children to help reduce violence in the state.

·        The need to involve relevant stakeholders like Security agencies, Traditional leaders, Religious leaders, Media and Women groups in the affairs of the new CMMRC committee to help enlarge their reach.

·        The need to create drug abuse control committees in the state, including town hall meetings where legislators will be involved, all in the fight against drug abuse.

Outcome

·        Inauguration of new active members into the CMMRC

·        Allocation of free airtime by the GM Rima radio to help air the activities of CMMRC

·        Representative of NDLEA volunteering to train CPOs in all the 5 communities on hard drugs awareness and sensitization.