Story from Najib SANI, Bauchi
An umbrella body of Islamic scholars in the country called ‘Nigeria Council of Ulama’ has urged Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to lift the ban on the popular cleric Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara and open his mosque.
Recall that last month, Ganduje barred Kabara from preaching and leading prayers in his mosque as a result of a complaint about his alleged controversial preachings by some Islamic clerics in the state.
Addressing journalists in his residence in Bauchi Thursday, the acting National Chairman of the Council and leader of Tijjaniya sect, Sheikh Dan’azumi Tafawa Balewa said in the interest of justice, fairness and in the light of the provision of the Nigerian constitution which gave every citizen freedom of religion, Ganduje should allow Kabara to go about his normal activities.
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According to him, the council, established in 1980, embraces all sects and various conflicting Islamic organizations with the aim of creating unity through different opinions.
“This fundamental right provided by the Nigerian constitution is in total agreement of the injunctions of Holy Qur’an in which God says ‘No compulsion in religion”.
“We have respect for conflicting opinions and we stand to promote dialogue and understanding amongst all Muslims conflicting organizations.
Dan’azumi Abduljabbar’s case was a source of concern, adding that the dialogue earlier scheduled by the governor between Kabara and other clerics was a good step but lamented that it was stopped by a court.
He opined that if Kabara’s antagonists would be allowed to enjoy their rights and privileges of saying their perspectives and propagating their teachings and even verbally attacking him, restrictions placed on the Sheikh should be lifted.
“We humbly appeal to the learned governor and experienced politician, Ganduje whom we respect and cherish to peruse and learn to adopt the application of the Qur’anic injunctions in which Allah ordered him as a leader to do justice and provide a level playing ground to all his subjects,” he said.
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