Incitement: Bauchi Govt Suspends Islamic Cleric Indefinitely
By Joseph Ayinde
An Islamic Cleric in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Malam Abubakar Idris, had been suspended by the State Government for alleged incitement in his preachings.
This was contained in a letter addressed to the Cleric which was signed by the Commissioner, Ministry for Religious Affairs and Social Welfare, Ahmad Jalam.
The letter was entitled: “Violation of the ethics of Preaching and Sermons in the state,” with reference number: MORA&CR/S/OFF/04/11/26 and dated 27 April, 2021.
According to the letter, the Cleric was found to have been castigating companions of Prophet Muhammad in his preachings, adding that this was capable of instigating violence which would lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
The government therefore, suspended him from preaching in any part of the state.
“The attention of the Bauchi State Government has been drawn to the manner of your preaching and sermons”.
“The report revealed that you are castigating the companions of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while conducting your preaching”.
“This attitude is a clear violation of the conduct and ethics of preaching, that is capable of raising people’s tension and certainly lead to the violation of law and order which the Government may not tolerate,” the letter read in parts.
It added that: “Consequently, you are suspended from conducting preaching and leading congregational prayers in any part of the State in the interest of peace.”
