From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Crisis has rocked the Niger State Imam Forum as no fewer than three different Islamic sects have withdrawn their membership due to its recent activities that goes contrary to the purpose of its establishment.
The three sects that withdrew their membership include; Fitiyanun Islam, Izalatil Bidi:ah Woikamatil Sunnah, Kaduna and that of the Jos respectively.
The letter separately addressed to the Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and copied to other relevant bodies and security agencies was made available to newsmen in Minna.
In their letters titled; Letter of Withdrawal of Jumuat Imam which was signed by their Chairmen and secretaries disassociated themselves from being used politically especially as allegedly experienced during the pasts Director General Religious Affairs in the state, hence contravened the purpose of its creation for unity, preserving peace and harmonize their followers.
The three bodies gave their reasons for their withdrawal from the Niger State Imam Forum to include; the leadership failure to ensure mutual relationship, they are sideline for selfish purposes, hiding under religion to indulge in unwanted activities among others.
It was reliably gathered that some members of the forum have politicized the organization initiated during governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu now been used to seek for political offices by the purported greedy, desperate members of the forum.
They faulted some Imams for abandoning their primary duties, saying some Imams have turn their mosques and preachings to attacks to gain political recognition and appointments, warning the general public and politicians to be wary of such Imams.
