Kano Ulamas: Shun inflammatory comments, sermons ,capable of causing tension,disharmony – Gov Yusuf

By Kolawole Emmanuel, Kano

The Kano state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has charged Ulamas and religious leaders in the state, to shun inflammatory comments and sermons to avert heat up the polity and not causing disharmony and tension .

Gov.Yusuf made the assertion on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting with the religious community at the popular African House, Kano State Government House.

According to him, “religious leaders wield strong control over their followers and must not use such powers for selfish interests or cause disunity in the land.”

“Your followers listen to you, it is important for you to bridge the gap between the politicians and the masses and avoid any comments capable of bringing unrest”.

“It is disturbing how some clerics have turn their pulpits to attacking grounds where they utter disturbing comments against people in Government.”

“Back in the days, you hardly hear a Malam insulting or attacking any politician. It is expected of you to remind those in power of their responsibilities, but you mustn’t do such in a way that can cause trouble.”

“I want to assure you that my government remains committed to your well fare and we would ensure your allowances are paid promptly and henceforth through your personal accounts to avoid irregularities.” He explained.

He then solicited the help of the Ulamas in the fight against moral decadence in the society.

Yusuf also declared the commitment of administration to fighting criminality noting that it has reduced it by almost 95 percent since the inception of his government.

The Governor also advised the religious leaders to devise means of preaching to the youths to shun crime and return to good ways for their personal progress and that of the state and nation at large.

Yusuf then disclosed that very soon he will personally lead the destruction of confiscated hard drugs in the state to serve as deterrent to others who have hitherto supplied contraband drugs to Kano.

He noted that the state has partnered with relevant agencies in the fight against drug abuse and will do anything possible to rid the state markets of dangerous drugs.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh, Muhammad Nasir Adam, leader of the Ulamas’ forum said, Government and other authorities have relegated them to the background.

According to him, “religious leaders must be carried along for a balanced relationship and not only call on them when prayers are needed.”

“I want to use this medium to call on my colleagues to stop sending messages to government and those in position of power and learn to do so through the proper channels.”

He noted that, “It is disrespectful to call out someone in public and claim you are advising him, we must use proper channels to communicate to them and not in public spaces. The Prophet never did that and we must learn to do things the right way.”

While assuring the Government of their support and cooperation with the view to move the state forward, he however called on clerics to desist from using their sermons in sending messages to the people in power but rather, send them advices in written forms, officially and respectfully.

” We are worried that despite our influence the Government and other relevant authorities only call us for prayers. This must change for our collective progress”. He concluded