Nigerian Council of Ulama, an umbrella body of Islamic scholars, on Thursday asked Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to lift the ban on Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara, and reopen his mosque.
They made the plea on Thursday in a press conference in Bauchi.
The governor had barred Abduljabbar from public preaching and closed down his mosques and schools as a result of complaints by some Islamic clerics over alleged controversial preaching.
The acting national chairman of the council and leader of Tijjaniya Sufi Order, Sheikh Dan’azumi Tafawa Balewa said: “In the interest of justice, fairness and in the light of the provision of the Nigerian constitution which gives every citizen of the country, freedom of religion, Governor Ganduje should allow Sheikh Abduljabbar to go about his normal activities.
“The fundamental right provided by the Nigerian constitution is in total agreement with the injunctions of the Holy Qur’an. We have respect for conflicting opinions and we stand to promote dialogue and understanding amongst all Muslims organizations.
“Abduljabbar’s case is now a source of concern, but we became relieved at a stage when the governor considered dialogue between Sheikh Abduljabbar and other Islamic clerics, which is a good step but it was stopped by the court.
“Unfortunately those who accused Abduljabbar before the governor, are the same people who kicked against the dialogue.”
“We feel that if Abduljabbar’s antagonists could be allowed to enjoy their rights and privileges by voicing their perspectives and propagating their teachings and even verbally attacking him, restrictions placed on the Sheikh should be lifted.”
