The governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has called on Islamic clerics in the state to correct him and his government wherever he goes wrong in his leadership.
The governor made the call at a meeting with Imams of Juma’at mosques, held at the government house in Kano on Monday.
According to the governor, the essence of the meeting is to seek the blessings of the Ulama and task them to not to hesitate in drawing his attention wherever he goes wrong and give recommendations on how to correct it.
He said: “The essence of the meeting is to seek the Ulamas’ blessing and hear their views about our administration.
“Where the government go wrong, draw our attention and make recommendations on what to do good to sustain the right things we are going and even improve.
“This is part of our efforts to restore the lost glory of Kano and its religious values,” the governor said.
Mr Yusuf hinted that the government was working to improve the monthly allowances of the Imams, adding that the payment would be through electronic process to check fraud.
The governor also disclosed that plans are underway for the commencement of renovation of all the Juma’at mosques across the state, saying that it is part of the government’s efforts to promote Islamic religion in the state.
He lamented the rise of immorality in the state which, according to him, is the responsibility of the government to give support to the Ulama and security agencies towards fighting crime and immorality.
“Committing sins is part of the reasons why we are in this difficult situation. Morality is gone. Ulama are no longer respected to the extent of entering Radio stations to abuse them.
“Kano is known for high moral values and religious practice. So, we would no longer condone this bad acts as we are stakeholders in ensuring morality in the state.
“We also caution some Ulama who engage in abusing politicians instead on sensitizing and correcting the politicians, end up abusing them and call them names.
“The issue of immorality is high. We will not stop until we address the situation God willing,” he said.
The governor also faulted Hisbah for manhandling suspects during arrest, saying it is sad to see women being beaten, hounded and bundled into vans by Hisbah men.
In his remarks, Sheikh Nasir Adam, chief imam of Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani Juma’at Mosque, Kofar Mata, said the governor has taken a huge step towards moving Kano forward by engaging Ulamas.
According to him, the governors in Northern Nigeria had failed to consider the fact that Ulamas are key to the development of any society, and that is the region facing many problems.
Speaking on behalf of the Imams, Sheikh Adam promised to give the governor and his government maximum support.
“We are not politicians. We are apolitical. We give suggestions to the government through proper channels not other means that would make the government feel disrespected,” he added.
