•Says state is peaceful, condemns blockage of venue for National Tijjaniyya Maulud
From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano State government, Friday, insisted that the state is peaceful and the religious occassion of the National Tijjanniyya Maulud would unfailing hold in the state.
In a press conference addressed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government expressed regret that security agencies had blocked the venue designated for the highly significant religious event despite the fact that many members of the sect from within and outside Nigeria had already arrived the state for the occassion.
Accirding to the government , “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” he said.
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 “ he added
“”Therefore any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this, is not only an encrochment on the citizens right of lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of right to religious practice in Nigeria” he said. 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”
“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” he stated.
“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.