There is backlash on social media, following approval of N85m by the Zamfara State government for organising Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass in the state.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the money covers air tickets of Tijjaniya leaders from Senegal, their accomodation, feeding, among other logistics for the conduct of the 36th Maulud Celebration.
In a viral memo circulating on social media, the Secretary to the State Government Kabiru Balarabe wrote to the Governor Bello Matawalle, seeking approval of N85,000,000 “as assistance Majmau Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (RTA) Association of Nigeria for the conduct of the 36th Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass in Zamfara State.”
The governor therefore approved the payment and directed the commissioner of Finance to release the money.
The Memo
His Excellency may wish to recall that an approval was granted by the Majmau Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (RTA) Association for Zamfara State to host the 36′ Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (RTA). The event is held annually to commemorate the birth of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (RTA). It provides an avenue to convey messages of peace, love and moderation, as espoused by Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (RTA) during his lifetime.
2. Accordingly, necessary preparations are on top gear between the local organizing committee and the organizers of the programme. Based on the above and the fact that a programme of this magnitude requires funding, the association is requesting for an assistance of N85,000,000.00 for the conduct of the event here in the State capital. This expenditure covers air ticket for invited members of the Tijaniya from Dakar, Senegal, to Nigeria; feeding and accommodation; production of invitation cards; banners and logistics, among others. His Excellency may refer to page 12 for detailed breakdown of the expenditure.
3. In view of the above, His Excellency may kindly wish to consider and approve the release of the sum of Eighty Five Million Naira (N85,000,000.00) only as assistance to Majmau Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (RTA) Association of Nigeria for the conduct of the 36′ Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Nass in Zamfara State, and direct the Ministry of Finance to release the funds accordingly. The funds would be charged under Administrative Code 22021025, under my office.
The Backlash
The government decision to fund the event with N85m is facing a backlash, especially on Facebook.
A critic, Abdulaziz Tijjani, wrote in Hausa that Tijjaniya adherent who collected or are about collect money from Zamfara government should channel it towards development of the people.
Mubarak Dalhatu also wrote in Hausa that it was thoughtless for a government with multitude of displaced persons and educationally backward to release such a huge money in the name of religious event.
Another critic, Muhammad Dhiya’uddin Gwani, wondered why the government released N85m for Tijjaniyya leaders when there are displaced persons facing hunger in the state.
On his part, Muhammad Misbahu Musa Yasayyadi described government’s decision as sheer wickedness and fraudulent.
Governor’s spokesman responds
When contacted, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, said he was not aware of such approval, adding that he only learnt about the letter on Social Media.
Mr Bappa, however, noted that the governor, who is a practicing Muslim, has every right to support any religious cause.
“So if at all this letter is genuine, I see nothing wrong in that. Recall that in the past, the governor had approved N100 Million to Izala leaders for establishing Islamic university in Jigawa State.
“Therefore, it is only fair to offer the same support to Tijjaniyya leaders too,” Mr Bappa added.
