The outcome of the proposed debate between a controversial Kano cleric, Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara and Ulama may likely have a negative impact on security and well-being of people in the state and the country by extension. Whatever happens in Kano, being nation’s Islamic centre considering the large number of renowned Islamic scholars who live there coupled with the large number of Muslim faithful in the State, there is likelihood that it will spiral to other neighboring states.
It is in consonance with the futility of the debate that a journalist, Jaafar Jaafar recently wrote an article on the subject, in which he carefully analysed and reminded major stakeholders on the possible consequences of conflict in view of the past experiences. The writer made reference to a previous debate between Sheikh Usman Dangungu, an advocate of Qur’aniyyun doctrine-following teachings without regard to hadith of the Prophet and some Sunni scholars to buttress his point. He further argued that although the team of Sunni scholars which comprised Tijjaniyya, Kadiriyya and Izala sects have more valid and superior points, in the eyes of some spectators Dangungu won the debate eventually. It also made him more popular and gained more followers.
In this case, both scholars and law advocates are advised to be more careful in a situations like this. If the debate is eventually allowed to hold, a neutral ground has to be created for the conflicting parties to air their views based on facts and figures, and tact and caution must be applied so that room would not be given for Shi’ah sect to gain more popularity and say in the State. More so, past activities and actions of Shiites in Nigeria and other countries like Saudi Arabia have shown that their allegiance is to the Islamic Republic of Iran and their Imams alone.They have also been exhibiting domineering tendencies wherever they found themselves.
Therefore, if the issue is not handled carefully, it can heighten tension between the Shiites in the state who are the minority and the Sunnis, the majority and it can also spread to other states. With this, it has become necessary for all stakeholders especially the Kano State Government to take all necessary measures to counter any eventuality which may arise from the brewing conflict.
