From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.
Islamic Religious Organizations in Niger state has expressed concern over some clerics and groups’ utterances and activities that is detrimental to the current peace and peaceful coexistence enjoyed in the state.
Speaking after their emergency meeting in Minna yesterday, Dr Bashir Ahmad Usman said that the ulams find it necessary to review issues related to peaceful coexistence, security matters and social vices through their utterances and activities.
He explained that such menace has negative affects on the various registered Islamic organizations in the state and proffers possible solutions and suggestions to both stakeholders and state government.
Dr Usman noted with dismay an identified three groups who are promoting certain actions capable of breaking peace within the state which include: Hahika, Qala – Qato and some set abusing companions (sahaba) especially in Bida hence the need for proactive measures be taking to matters relating to religious issues.
On Sheikh Adams matter, he applauded the steps taking by the State Bureau for Religious Affairs who invited him despite his violation and disobeying of the decision of the bureau, however, charged state government to empower the agency for smooth operations.
The meeting recommended the following to the state government that include check – mating the activities of individuals in the name of religion that related to abuse and castigation of companions of the Prophet to avoid break down of law and order.
Bureau for Religious Affairs should supervise the operations groups and individuals under the name of religion to ensure compliance with rules and public preaching as well as security agency to be watchful if such people.
They added that the agency should call to order those sects and individuals promoting ideologies unknown to the pristine teaching of Islam to maintained peace, while government should put up measures to punish individuals and sects that violates the decision of the Bureau on matters related to religion in the state.
