Council of Ulama urges Ganduje to lift ban on Abduljabbar

Nigeria Council of Ulama has called on Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to lift the ban on the embattled Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara and reopen his mosque.

The Acting National Chairman of the Council who is also a leader of Tijjaniya sect, Sheikh Dan’azumi Tafawa Balewa, who made the call while briefing newsmen at his residence on Thursday in Bauchi, said Ganduje should allow Sheikh Abduljabbar go about his normal activities in the interest of justice, fairness and in the light of the provision of the Nigerian constitution which gives every citizen freedom of religion.

“This fundamental right provided by the Nigerian constitution is in total agreement of the injunctions of the Holy Qur’an in which God says ‘No compulsion in religion’. We have respect for conflicting opinions and we stand to promote dialogue and understanding amongst all Muslim conflicting organizations,” he said.

Danazumi said the dialogue earlier scheduled by the governor between Abduljabbar and other clerics was a good step but lamented that it was stopped by a court.

The cleric explained that the council, which was established in 1980, embraces all sects and various conflicting Islamic organisations with the aim of creating unity through different opinions.

“We humbly appeal to the learned governor and experienced politician Ganduje whom we respect and cherish, to peruse and learn to adopt the application of the Qur’anic injunctions in which Allah ordered him as a leader to do justice and provide level playing ground to all his subjects,” he added.