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| Image: Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf |
By Muhammad Salisu
Kano State Government has insisted that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as scheduled, despite the blockage of the venue by security agencies.
It' was reported that the blockage of the venue has generated widespread condemnation, with many describing it as an attempt to undermine the rights of citizens to freedom of assembly and religious practice.
This is coming shortly after an announcement by the Kano State Police Command, stating that it had received intelligence reports about suspected terrorists planning to attack public gatherings in key locations across the state.
According to the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, while interacting with newsmen in Kano said, the event will take place tomorrow, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned.
The Commissioner condemned the blockage of the venue, describing it as "unnecessary" and "unjustified."
He emphasized that there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that would warrant such an extreme measure.
The commissioner assured guests from various states and members of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order that the Kano State Government is committed to ensuring their safety and security.
He urged them to remain peaceful and steadfast in their commitment to observing the annual religious gathering.
Waiya also called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw its security agencies from the venue and allow the event to proceed without hindrance.
"Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of the Kano State Government, and there is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering," he noted.
The commissioner emphasized that Kano State has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance stating that the state government will not accept any form of intimidation or undue interference in its internal affairs.
Mr. Waiya reiterated that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud has been held for 39 years without any incident. He expressed surprise that security agencies would block the venue without any justification.
More so, the commissioner of information quoted the organization that organizes the annual event as a body that is "legitimately registered and recognized."
"Any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this is not only an encroachment on citizens' rights to lawful assembly but also a fundamental breach of the right to religious practice in Nigeria," he emphasised
Waiya who urged all guests to remain calm and law-abiding therefore expressed confidence that the Maulud will hold successfully, saying "In Shaa Allah."
However, Kano State Government thas assured citizens that it will do everything possible to ensure that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud holds without any incident.
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