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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Government has denied allegations that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has not contributed meaningfully to the development of Islamic religion and the overall progress of the state.
The government described the claims as unfounded, misleading and a deliberate distortion of reality.
Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Muhammad Sani Aliyu, made this clarification during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, while responding to recent criticisms by Malam Bashir Jega regarding the state of religious affairs in the state.
According to him, the claims that nothing has been done for religion under the present administration is not only incorrect but also ignores the remarkable strides recorded since Governor Idris assumed office.
He explained that one of the most significant achievements of the current administration is the creation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, an important milestone that fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the people of Kebbi State, which had remained unrealised for more than 25 years.
Aliyu noted that successive administrations, both military and civilian, had been unable to establish a dedicated ministry to coordinate religious activities until the present government demonstrated the political will to actualise it. He further disclosed that the government has strengthened key religious institutions, including the Zakat and Waqf Board, the Preaching Board and the Hisbah Commission, providing them with the necessary legal backing through gazetted laws and adequate support to enable them to perform their responsibilities effectively.
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The Commissioner also highlighted the successful hosting of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition organised in collaboration with Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, stating that Governor Idris accepted the responsibility of hosting the competition at a critical time when it was at risk of interruption.
He said the competition, which has been sustained since 1986, was hosted by Kebbi State within a very short preparation period, yet was widely acknowledged by the organisers as one of the best editions ever held in the history of the event.
He further emphasised that the administration has undertaken the installation of solar electrification of mosques in various communities across the state, including Jega Local Government Area, demonstrating its commitment to supporting religious institutions.
The Commissioner also dismissed insinuations that the Governor was disconnected from the people, stressing that he had maintained constant engagement with communities across the state through frequent visits, inspections of infrastructure projects and direct interaction with citizens.
He added that beyond religious matters, the administration had also recorded significant achievements in workers’ welfare and social development, including prompt payment of salaries, improved pension administration and the settlement of retirees’ gratuities.
He, therefore, urged religious leaders to remain focused on their primary responsibility of guiding and educating the public spiritually rather than allowing themselves to be drawn into political antagonism capable of misleading the people.
The government called on citizens to always verify information before reacting, while reaffirming its commitment to justice, unity, religious harmony and the continued development and uplifting of the people of Kebbi State.
