The Kebbi State Government has warned religious leaders in the state against using their pulpits to make what it described as inflammatory and unverified allegations against the administration, urging anyone interested in political criticism to openly participate in partisan politics.
The warning was issued by the state’s Kebbi State Ministry for Religious Affairs following remarks reportedly made by an Islamic cleric, Bashir Jega, who alleged that the administration of Nasir Idris had failed to support religious activities in the state.
Reacting to the allegation on Sunday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Muhammad Zuru, dismissed the claim as misleading and urged clerics across the state to refrain from making statements that could incite public unrest.
Zuru said the establishment of the Ministry for Religious Affairs and other related bodies by the Kebbi state government demonstrated its commitment to promoting religious activities in the state.
“The creation of the Ministry for Religious Affairs with subsidiaries such as the Hisbah Board, Zakat Board and the Preaching Board, all gazetted by the Kebbi State Government, clearly shows that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has done a lot for religion in the state,” he said.
While acknowledging the important role of religious leaders, the commissioner warned that the Kebbi government would not tolerate individuals using religious platforms to advance political narratives capable of disturbing public peace.
He also advised Jega to pursue political engagement openly if he intends to challenge the government’s actions.
“If he wants to play politics, he should remove his turban and fully join the political arena as an opposition figure and engage the government through constructive criticism rather than making inflammatory remarks,” Zuru added.
