Incitement: Bauchi govt suspends Islamic cleric indefinitely

The Bauchi State Government has suspended an Islamic preacher, Malam Abubakar Idris, of Azare in Katagum LGA of the state for alleged inciting preaching and sermons.

The suspension addressed to the cleric was contained in a statement dated April 27, 2021 and signed by Alh. Ahmad Aliyu Jalam, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Community Relations and Social Welfare.

The suspension letter titled: ‘Violation of the ethics of preaching and sermons in the state’ reads:

“The attention of the Bauchi State Government has been drawn to the manner of your preaching and sermons. The report revealed that you are castigating the companions of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while conducting your preaching.

“This attitude is a clear violation of the conduct and ethics of preaching, that is capable of raising people’s tension and certainly leads to the violation of law and order which the Government may not tolerate.

“Consequently, you are suspended from conducting preaching and leading congregational prayers in any part of the state in the interest of peace. You are advised to abide by this instruction in your own interest as the security agencies will ensure strict compliance.

The suspension comes two days after the Commissioner noted with concerns the credible intelligence report reaching his office indicating a spate of unethical approach to propagation by a few Islamic clerics in some parts of the state.

Alhaji Aliyu Jalam explained that one of the clerics has even gone to the extent of preaching against the nobility and pious position of the Holy Prophet as well as casting aspersion on the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in his teaching and sermons.

According to the commissioner, the Bauchi state government has viewed this action as a serious violation of the Bauchi State Islamic code for preaching and other related matters.

He warned that the state government will not tolerate any form of breach in the conduct of religious preaching across the state, saying Ramadan period should be utilized by all preachers to achieve unity through moderation and respect for the teachings and practices of our Holy Prophet (SAW)

Jalam also advised religious preachers to adhere strictly to the guidelines and code of procedures in the conduct of their preaching to ensure religions tolerance and harmony amongst their followers.