Suspended Cleric: Group hails Kano govt for dialogue, suggests peace steps
By Abdulmumin Muratala, Kano
AREWA AGENDA – The Kano state government has received a pass mark for organizing a debate between an embattled Muslim scholar, Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara and a merger of other Muslim scholars in the state who have accused him of insulting Prophet Muhammad and his Companions.
The group Citizens for Peace and Progress (CIPEP), in a statement signed by its scribe, Abdullahi Alhassan, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Kano, said it expresses appreciation for the return of reason and rule of law in the state.
Part of the statement reads as follows:
“Following the recent tension in Kano state founded by the banning of the activities of a prominent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabbara in the state by the Kano state government and the subsequent reversion to dialogue, we at Citizens for Peace and Progress (ClPEP) write to express appreciation to the return of reason and rule of law in the state
“The people of Kano are witnesses to the peaceful activities of the embattled scholar who, in disagreement with their views, was accused by a merger of disagreeing scholars in the state of incitement and insulting the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAWA and his Companions.
“The Kano state government was left with the option of clamping down on Sheikh Abduljabbar after being pushed by the merger of scholars who threatened to disrupt peace in the state if the government fails to take action in their favor.
“The people of Kano are also witnesses to the fact that the said scholar, in confidence of his scholastic views about the traditions of Prophet Muhammad had called those who disagreed with him to a peaceful debate to find a resolve for the irreconcilable stance of the opposing sides.
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However the group also advises the state government on the conduct of the debate raising some points which it hopes will resolve the tension and lay the matter to rest.
“The declaration by the Kano state government to hold a debate between the two opposing camps on their irreconcilable positions, as a means of enlightening the public, is a welcome development, however it is pertinent to note the following in lure of fairness and justice to all.
“All the scholars that have earlier called on the state government to ban the activities of Abduljabbar should participate in the debate.
“For the public to see the government as fair and non bias in its current stance, all the scholars involved must participate in the debate in person and no representation should be allowed.
“The publicity through live broadcast to be given to the debate, as earlier announced by the government is a welcome development and should be strictly adhered to.
“The debate should lead both parties towards understanding and tolerance, as well as respect for the scholastic views of one another, which the public are left to make their decisions and not a winner and vanquished affair.
“If the merger of scholars who want Abduljabbar banned should for any reason refuse to participate in the debate in person, or refuse to participate at all, then the government should declare to them not to intimidate him any longer and is free to continue with his activities” the statement declared.
The group further urged the state government to heed to its advice as a way of protecting its image by not being accused of being biased towards any side.
“We call on the state government to observe these points as a means of inducing civility, understanding and tolerance among various religious adherents and sects in the state as well as peace an tranquility among citizens. It will also save the government from being accused of bias, injustice and lack of fairness” the statement said.
Arewa Agenda is a Publication of Young writers/journalist from Northern Nigeria towards Peaceful Coexistence and National Development through positive narratives
