Steer clear of politics, Gov Idris warns Kebbi religious leaders

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade, Nasir Idris, has warned religious leaders in the state to stay away from politics and face their religious duty squarely, urging them to stop using the pulpits to advance their political selfish interest, which he said contradicts divine injunction.

Governor Idris disclosed this Thursday while playing host to the Waziri Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, who represented the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Illiyasu Bashar, on a courtesy Sallah visit to the Governor. 

The governor said, “It is glaring that some Ulama mounts the pulpit or use Tafsir sessions to castigate leaders and cast aspersions on their persons for smear campaign or self-fulfilment, I am also not immune to such acts.”

He made it clear that such an unholy attitude must stop to safeguard the sanctity of religion and protect the dignity of leaders. 

The Ulama, he emphasised, should uphold their value as moulders of good character and morality devoid of soiling faith with personal aggrandisement.

ALSO READ: Eid-el-Fitr: Sustain lesson learnt, peace, unity, Kebbi gov urges Nigerians

Governor Nasir Idris, who holds the traditional title of Kauran Gwandu, acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Gwandu Emirate Council led by the monarch, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar to his administration, urging traditional institutions to sustain prayers for peace and prosperity of the land. 

The veteran labour leader expressed happiness about the resuscitation of Durbar in this year’s Eid-el Fitr celebration by the Emir, saying it is an honour to him. 

“For a long time, durbar has not been staged by the Gwandu Emirate Council until now while I am the governor of the state, being my first observance of the Eid-el Fitr as sitting Chief Executive, I am highly impressed about the colourful event”, he remarked. 

Governor Nasir Idris affirmed his commitment to intensifying his reform policy of economic growth and infrastructural development of Kebbi State. 

The Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, told the governor that they were at the Government House, comprising Councillors of the Emirate Council, traditional title holders, District Heads and the Ulama, to congratulate him on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast and celebration of the Eid-el Fitr in peace and tranquillity. 

He affirmed their support, loyalty and obedience to the Governor and his administration, commending him for the remarkable achievement recorded in transforming Kebbi State, especially the capital Birnin Kebbi, to a modern city worthy of its status. 

Before the homage, the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muuhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, led an enchanting durbar procession which passed along the inner front gate of the Government House, watched in admiration by Governor Nasir Idris, his deputy Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, the Head of Service, Commissioners and other top government officials who stood by the gate. 

The white royal horse of the Monarch was on display while the Emir rode in his royal limousine and exchanged pleasantries with the Governor in the course of the procession.