1st March, 2024
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Thursday, hosted Islamic clerics in the state, with an appeal to help him deliver good governance to the people through prayers and constructive advice.
Governor Yusuf who returned from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, after performing the lesser hajj in the Holy Land, appealed to the clerics to always call him to order whenever he goes wrong.
He lamented the growing rate of social decadence and appealed to Islamic clerics to preach against societal ills, and always remember Nigeria, Nigerians, and their leaders in prayers in the face of the current economic hardship.
He promised to keep his doors always open for advice and constructive criticisms that can encourage good leadership for the betterment of Kano state and the good people of the state.
Governor Yusuf stated this at Africa House, Government House during a meeting with Imams of Juma’at Mosques.
He said the idea behind the convocation of the meeting was to seek the blessings of the Ulamas.
Governor Yusuf, however, tasked the religious leaders to always correct him, whenever he falters or go against the wishes and asporations of tge people.
According to him, “the essence of the meeting is to seek the Ulamas blessing and hear from them about our administration. Where the government goes wrong, draw our attention and make recommendations on what to do better.
“We will always listen to you and improve on the right things we are doing. This is part of our efforts to restore the lost glory of Kano and its religious values.”
Governor Yusuf further stated that the state government is working to improve the monthly allowances of the Imams, adding that the payment would be through electronic process to checkmate fraud.
He also hinted that plans are underway for the commencement of renovation of all the Juma’at mosques across the state, saying that it is part of the government’s efforts to promote Islamic religion in the state.
He, however, lamented the rise of immorality in the state, which according to him, is the responsibility of the government to checkmate, just as he urged other stakeholders, to give support to the Ulamas and security agencies towards fighting crime and immorality in the state.
He said: “Committing sins is part of the reasons why we are in this difficult situation. Morality is gone, immorality has taken its place. We cannot condone this kind of situation.
“Ulamas are no longer respected. This is to the extent that people now abuse them on radio and other media outlets. Kano is known for high moral values and religious practice. So, we would no longer condone this bad acts as we are all stakeholders in ensuring morality in the state.
“We also caution some Ulamas who engage in abusing politicians instead of sensitizing and correcting the politicians. The issue of immorality is high. We will not stop until we address the situation, God’s willing.”
In his remarks, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Chief Imam of Sheikh Amadu Tijjani Juma’at Mosque, Kofar Mata, who spoke on behalf of the Ulamas, said Governor Yusuf has taken a bold step towards moving Kano forward by engaging the Ulamas.
According to him, the Governors in Northern Nigeria had failed to consider the fact that Ulamas are key to the development of any society, “that is why the region is facing many problems.”
Sheikh Adams promised to give the governor and his government maximum support.
“We are not politicians. We are apolitical. We are father to the people. We give suggestions to the government through proper channels not other means that would make the government feel disrespected,” he added.
(Governor Yusuf addressing the religious leaders at Africa House, Government House, Kano, on Thursday)