by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kano State Government has dismissed the statement issued by Police in Kano banning all public gatherings in the state over an alleged planned attack, saying, it is “not aware of it.”
Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, stated this at an emergency press conference held on Friday evening at the Emir’s Palace in Kano.
He explained that, “The Tijjaniyya Sufi Order is having a national gathering in Kano, which is the 39th of such annual gatherings, to take place at the Kofar Mata Stadium when the members saw the place taken over by security agencies.
“This is followed by a statement issued by the police banning any form of public gathering in anticipation of a possible attack.”
He dismissed the blockade act as uncalled for and a violation of the rights of the religious organization, with people coming from all over the country, being hosted by the Kano State Government.
“I welcome you all to this press briefing and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed guests from across Nigeria and beyond, who have traveled to Kano to attend the National Tijjaniyya Maulud in Kano State, being a historical center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony.
“We remain committed to upholding and supporting religious activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth.
“It has, however, come to our attention with great concern that, security agencies have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event. 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 Kano State Government has not issued any complaints regarding insecurity, and we find the presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity unwarranted and unacceptable.
“I wish to categorically state that, the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as scheduled – that is, tomorrow, Saturday 25th Jan. 2025, from 8:00 and at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned.
“This religious activity, which has been on for the last 39 years, shall not be allowed to be obstructed, as the organization that organizes the annual event is a body which is legitimately registered and recognized.
“Therefore, any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this, is not only an encroachment on the citizens’ right of lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of right to religious practice in Nigeria.
“We call on all our guests from various States and all Mohammadawa to remain peaceful and steadfast in their commitment to observing this annual religious gathering,” the Commissioner stated.
He further called on the federal government to withdraw the security agents and allow peace to reign, as the event will hold as scheduled.
“Furthermore, we urge 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 Kano State Government, and 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. We remain resolute in ensuring that the rights of our people to religious freedom and peaceful assembly are respected,” he stated.