The Chairman of Fityanul-Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahu Zaria, has declared the organisation’s support for Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, promising to reciprocate what he described as the governor’s support for religious activities in the state at the polls.
Sheikh Rabiu made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking at the annual Maulid Nabiyyi celebration held at Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna.
He commended Governor Sani for proposing the establishment of the Kaduna State Religious Commission, saying the initiative would benefit adherents of different religions and sects across the state.
The Islamic cleric also praised the governor for what he described as consistent support for religious activities since assuming office.
According to him, Governor Sani had never rejected requests from Fityanul-Islam, adding that adherents of the two major religions in the state had not experienced a more supportive governor.
Mr Rabiu said the organisation would reciprocate the governor’s gestures through political support.
“We will not vote for someone who hates us, someone who will prevent us from celebrating Maulid, or someone who will arrest our Qur’anic pupils,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Governor Sani would complete his first term successfully and secure a second term before eventually rising to a higher political position.
The Fityanul-Islam chairman also prayed for divine guidance for the governor, promising that the organisation would celebrate his electoral victory with him.
“Next May, we will all be gathered here at Murtala Muhammed Square to celebrate your victory at the polls,” he said.
Responding, Mr Sani said the significance of the Maulid celebration was to encourage Muslims and other Nigerians to reflect on and emulate the exemplary character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, SAW.
“We are all gathered here today to emulate the Prophet and his lifestyle. We are all aware that he embraced everyone, irrespective of religion and ethnicity. This is the significance of this gathering,” the governor said.
According to Mr Sani, applying the teachings and lifestyle of the Prophet would promote peaceful coexistence within society and strengthen national unity.
He recalled that Prophet Muhammad, following his migration from Makkah to Madina, governed inclusively, irrespective of the religious identities of the people under his leadership.
“As leaders today, the only thing that we can do is to emulate the teachings and lifestyle of the Prophet. That is why I commend the leadership of Fityanul-Islam Kaduna State branch for this important gathering,” he said.
The governor assured the organisation of his administration’s continued support, saying the government would work with religious groups and other stakeholders to promote peace and stability in the state.
“And as a government, we will continue to give them the support, working closely with Kaduna State Government to ensure peace and stability,” he said.
Mr Sani attributed what he described as the relative peace in Kaduna to an inclusive approach to governance that accommodates people irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
He noted that the Maulid gathering itself reflected the diversity of the state, with Muslims and Christians participating in the event.
“In Kaduna, we don’t judge you by your religion but by your character,” he said.
