By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, is highly critical of some religious leaders and clerics hiding in the garb of religion to advance political and selfish interests.
The governor described such behaviour as contrary to Divine Injunctions.
He made the statement at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, when he received the Waziri Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar who represented the Emir of Gwandu on a Sallah homage to the Governor.
He said ‘It is glaring that some Ulamas mount the pulpit or use Tafsir period to castigate, condemn and criticized leaders and cast aspersions on their persons for smear campaign or self fulfilment, I am also not immuned from such acts”, the Governor lamented.
Also, made it clear that such unholy attitudes must cease to safeguard the sanctity of religion and protect the dignity of leaders and the followers.
He emphasised that clerics should uphold their values as moulders of good characters and morality devoid of soiling faith with personal aggrandisement.
Governor Nasir Idris, who holds the traditional title of Kauran Gwandu, acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Gwandu Emirate Council led by the Monarch, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar to his administration, urging traditional institutions to sustain prayers for peace and prosperity of the land.
The veteran Labour Leader 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.
“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”, he remarked.
He 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 Ulamas, to congratulate him on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast and celebration of the Eid-el Fitr in peace and tranquility.
He reiterated traditional institution support, loyalty and obedience to the Governor and his administration, equally commending him for the remarkable achievement recorded in transforming Kebbi State, especially the capital of the state that is 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.
