Zamfara SSG disputes online media reports on Gov Matawalle enforces use of Islamic Calendar

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Secretary to the Zamfara State Government (SSG), Bello Bala Maru, has debunked online media reports attributed to his personality that Governor Bello Matawalle has directed for the enforcement of immediate use of Islamic Calendar across all schools in the State.
In a statement by the Press Secretary to the SSG, Malam Idris Salisu, the attention of the SSG has been drawn to a news story carried by some online media attributing to his person, a directive by Governor Bello Matawalle that Islamic Calendar be “enforced” in the state.
According to the statement, “Indeed, the Secretary to the State Government was at the launching of this year’s Islamic Calendar which was held in Gusau on Sunday, 23rd August, 2020. He equally participated in the launching which was attended by many dignitaries from across the state.
“However, he made no announcement to the effect that a directive was given by Governor Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun) to enforce Islamic calendar in the state. He was either quoted out of context or mischievously attributed to that piece of information.
“To put the record straight, the SSG noted the importance of an Islamic Calendar to the lives of all Muslims as it guides their daily and continuous Islamic functions such as the fasting period, the Eid celebrations, the Maulud celebrations, the performance of Hajj, among others.
“He therefore, advised that the Calendar while been circulated to workers of the state Ministries and Parastatals to keep reminding on its important, it also be taught to children in schools who should be guided to imbibe it as part of their daily lives”, contained in the statement.
The SSG, while calling on Media organisations to be more responsible and report happenings in the state accurately, also said it becomes very pertinent to draw the attention of the public to the false attribution of distorted or fabricated piece of information as was circulated by some of these online media.