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MURIC applauds Kano govt. for banning cleric over alleged inciteful preaching
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) applauded the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, for taking “proactive step” in banning Abduljabar Nasir-Kabara, an Islamic cleric, for inciteful preaching.
Reports have it that the cleric was banned on February 4.
In a statement signed by Ishaq Akintola, Director of MURIC, it stated that, there has been lots of complaints against Nasir-Kabara, who he said has been accused of abusing the Prophet Muhammad.
Akintola described it “a very sensitive and volatile issue that can set not only set the city of Kano on fire but the whole north.”
“We commend Governor Ganduje for taking this proactive step. A stitch in time saves nine. This is not the time to allow the outbreak of religious crisis. Trouble makers are waiting out there to capitalize on any little breakdown of law and order to foment trouble. They will seize any little opportunity to cause mayhem. This is why the governor deserves a pat in the back. We hope other state governors will act promptly to nip every crisis that rears its ugly head in the bud. Nigeria needs peace to develop.” he added.
NAN reported that the banning order was announced by the Kano Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, who had stated that the government considered the cleric’s mode of teachings as ”incendiary”.
The Commissioner had announced the immediate closure of all schools run by the cleric, pending investigations by security agencies.
He said that the measure was part of the resolutions of the State Executive Council, at its meeting on Wednesday in Kano.
“The council directed all broadcast stations and social media platforms to stop airing preaching, sermons, and any other religious discussions likely to cause a breach of the peace of the state.”
The commissioner added that security agencies had been directed to ensure full compliance and take decisive action against erring persons or groups found flouting the order.
Also, a Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Kano, on Feb. 5 ordered the closure of a mosque belonging to Nasir-Kabara, pending the outcome of an investigation being conducted by the police and other security agencies.
The Chief Magistrate, Mohammed Jibrin, also ordered Nasir-Kabara to stop preaching and making unguarded utterances to cause a breach of public peace.
However, in the statement, MURIC advised the reopening of the mosque.
“Nonetheless, we advise the Kano State Government to open the mosque for worshippers if Shaykh Kabara is ready to give an undertaking of peaceful and good conduct. He must also pledge to desist from delivering inciting sermons.” It read.
