- Alleges plans to scuttle religious event
The Kano State Government has accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of raising false alarm and plotting to disrupt an annual religious event holding in the State.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who spoke for the State government, dismissed the alarm raised by the police claiming likely attack by suspected terrorists in Kano.
Waiya’s comment comes on the heels of the Kano Police Command saying there is intelligence reports about suspected terrorists planning to attack public gatherings in key locations across the state.
Addressing journalists at the Emir’s Palace on Friday evening, Waiya said the police had unfairly blocked the venue of the National Tijjaniyya Maulud, a religious event that has held annually for 39 years.
The Commissioner said; “Kano State, as a historical center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony, remains committed to upholding and supporting activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth.”
“This action is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that would warrant such an extreme measure.
“The presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity is unwarranted and unacceptable.”
However, he explained that despite police action, the Maulud would proceed as scheduled at Kofar Mata Stadium, assuring interested attendees that the state government would not allow any disruption.
According to the Commissioner; “The National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as planned from 8:00 AM at Kofar Mata Stadium. This religious gathering is organized by a legitimately registered and recognized body, and any attempt to obstruct it would be a violation of the citizens’ right to lawful assembly and religious practice in Nigeria”.
Waiya called on the Federal Government to withdraw its security agencies from the venue immediately, noting that Kofar Mata Stadium remain a property of the Kano State Government.
He further stated thus; “There is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering.
“Kano State has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not accept any form of intimidation or undue interference in our internal affairs”.
