The Kano State Government has accused the state command of the Nigeria Police Force of attempting to interfere with an annual religious celebration.
During a press conference at the Kano Emir’s Palace on Friday evening, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, refuted the concerns previously expressed by the police.
OsunDailyNG reports that the Kano Police Command on Friday indicated that it had received intelligence suggesting that suspected terrorists were planning to target public gatherings in significant areas throughout the state.
In response, Waiya asserted that the police had unjustly obstructed the venue for the National Tijjaniyya Maulud, a religious event that has been celebrated annually for 39 years.
He emphasized that Kano State recognized as a historical hub of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony, remains dedicated to fostering and supporting initiatives that encourage peace, unity, and spiritual development.
“This action is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that would warrant such an extreme measure. The presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity is unwarranted and unacceptable,” Waiya said.
The commissioner said despite police action; the Maulud would proceed as scheduled at Kofar Mata Stadium, assuring interested attendees that the state government would not allow any disruption.
“The National Tijjaniyya Maulud will be held as planned from 8:00 AM at Kofar Mata Stadium. A legitimately registered and recognized body organizes this religious gathering, and any attempt to obstruct it would be a violation of the citizens’ right to lawful assembly and religious practice in Nigeria,” Waiya declared.
He additionally called upon the Federal Government to promptly remove its security personnel from the location, emphasizing that Kofar Mata Stadium is owned by the Kano State Government.
There is no rationale for any outside authority to disrupt a lawful religious assembly. Kano State has consistently represented a model of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not tolerate any form of intimidation or unwarranted interference in our local matters, he stated.
