The Kano State government has condemned what it called the police ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to perceived threat to peace in the State, insisting that Kano is peaceful and would host as planned the National Tijjanniyya Maulud, a religious event whose untoward security implications the State government had not complained to the security agencies about.
Addressing the press on Friday – yesterday, January 24 – the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, expressed the State government ‘s 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 in the state for the occasion.
“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,” Waiya said.
“I wish to categorically state that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold tomorrow – today, Saturday, January 25 2025 – as scheduled from 8:00 and at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned,” Waiya reiterated
“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 to lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of the 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.
“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 the 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.
” I welcome all our guests and urge them to remain calm and law-abiding. The Maulud will hold successfully, In Shaa Allah.”
