From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has warned religious leaders and clerics to stay away mingle with politics for selfish interests.
Idris described such behaviour as contrary to Divine Injunctions.
Governor stated this at Government House, Birnin Kebbi when he received the Waziri Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar who represented the Emir of Gwandu on a courtesy sallah visit to the Governor.
The governor said ‘It is glaring that some Ulama mount the pulpit or use Tafsir sessions to castigate leaders and cast aspersions on their persons for smear campaign or self fulfilment, I am also not immuned from such acts”, the Governor complained.
He made it clear that such unholy attitude must cease to safeguard the sanctity of religion and protect the dignity of leaders.
The Ulama, he emphasized should uphold their value as moulders of good character and morality devoid of soiling faith with personal aggrandisement.
Governor Idris, who acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Gwandu Emirate Council led by the Monarch, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar to his administration, urged the traditional institutions to sustain prayers for peace and prosperity of the land.
He expressed happiness about the resuscitation of Durbar in this year’s Eid-el Fitr celebration by the Emir, saying it is an honour to him.
According to him, “for a long time, durbar has not been staged by the Gwandu Emirate Council until now while I am the governor of the state, being my first observance of the Eid-el Fitr as sitting Chief Executive, I am highly impressed about the colourful event”.
Idris affirmed commitment to intensifying his reform policy of economic growth and infrastructural development of Kebbi State.
The Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar who represented the Emir at the Sallah homage, told the governor that they were at the Government House, comprising of Councillors of the Emirate Council, traditional title holders, District Heads and the Ulama, to congratulate him on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast and celebration of the Eid-el Fitr in peace and tranquility.
He affirmed their support, loyalty and obedience to the Governor and his administration, commending him for the remarkable achievement recorded in transforming Kebbi State, especially the capital Birnin Kebbi, to a modern city worthy of its status.
He called on people to support Governor Nasir Idris on his quest to develop the state,saying that all hands must be on deck to compliment effort of the governor.
Before the homage, the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muuhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, led an enchanting durbar procession which passed along the inner front gate of the Government House, watched in admiration by Governor Nasir Idris, his deputy Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, the Head of Service, Commissioners and other top government officials who stood by the gate.
The white royal horse of the Monarch was on display while the Emir rode in his royal limousine and exchanged pleasantries with the Governor in the course of the procession.