Civil society and women’s groups in Jigawa State are calling for calm and respect for the rule of law in the ongoing case involving Walida Abdulhadi, urging the public to stop politicising the matter and allow security agencies and the courts to handle it.
Women drawn from the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State staged a peaceful protest at Government House in Dutse, expressing support for the ongoing investigation by the Department of State Services, DSS, and the judicial process.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Walida is not a tool for politics,” “Allow the court to do its job,” and “Support justice and due process,” the protesters said their demonstration was aimed at protecting the integrity of the legal process.
Chairperson of the Jigawa Women Development Initiative, Aisha Shamsuddeen, said the protest became necessary following what the group described as attempts by some individuals to politicise the case.
The group also commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for what they described as the transparency with which the Service handled the matter, engaging several relevant parties.
She maintained that the authorities are already handling the matter in line with the law and warned that unnecessary public pressure could interfere with the pursuit of justice.
The group also commended Governor Umar Namadi for his intervention and for ensuring that Walida and her baby are currently under the care and protection of the Jigawa State Government.
Governor Namadi had earlier assured that the state government would pursue the case to its logical and legal conclusion while also supporting the victim’s rehabilitation, education, and overall welfare.
It may be recalled that the DSS on Thursday, 26th February, handed over Walida to her Governor, Umar Namadi.
