By Ahmed Ahmed
A group under Jama’atu Shababil Islam, Bauchi State Chapter has urged Bauchi state government and stakeholders to tackle religious issues with caution and as well not to politicise religion in the state.
Malam Ibrahim Muhammad, Secretary of the group made the call at a News briefing on Sunday in Bauch.
He said is the responsibility of the group to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst the good people of Bauchi State and the country at large,
“We find it necessary to defend the Sunnah from a conspiracy against it by a coalition of some politicians, biased unethical security agencies and sectarian extremist,” he said
According to him, alot of events had happened following a statement made by Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz while giving explanations during Tafsir in the holy month of Ramadan.
“The statement was given diverse interpretations that led to the issuance of an invitation to Imam Dr Idris Abdul’aziz by the Bauchi State Sharia Commission to appear before it and clear the ambiguous statement,” he said.
The Secretary appeals to the state government and Stakeholders to handle religious issues with care to the interest of the citizens.
“We wish to make a general call on all these stakeholders, Bauchi Emirate Council, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Shariah Commission, Security Agencies,
“Politicians and the General Public understand that this is purely a sectarian strife, a sensitive religious issue that requires only intellectual approach.
“Someone somewhere in a transient political position cannot just swear to arrest an Islamic scholar for any political reason whatsoever. Therefore, the matter can only be resolved by engaging the appropriate religious authorities,” Muhammad said.
The Group also called on Fityanul Islam Association to redress through appropriate constitutional authorities for what they called hate speech and insult on their ulamas.
He added that the police authorities should exercise due diligence and professionalism in handling such matters, saying that in situations where sectarian strife exists, conflicts erupt if not handled properly and justly.
“The police should know that no secular dictates could be used to intimidate any of our scholars, invalidate any fundamental of Sunnah for whatever reason, or render inconsistent the clean “Tauheed” that we hold dear.
“The matter should be channel to the appropriate Islamic establishment for resolution,” Muhammad Said