The Kano state government has asked the federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian police force to immediately withdrew police operatives drafted to blockade the venue of the national Tijjaniyya Maulud saying the gathering will go as planned.
The government said the national Maulud is a religious activity which has been on for the last 39 years and any attempt to obstruct the annual lawful gathering is not only an encroachment on the citizens right of lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of right to religious in Nigeria.
The Kano state commissioner of information Comrades Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya disclosed this while briefing journalist alongside Kano state commissioner of religious affairs held in Kano Friday.
According to him, the venue (Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata) is a land and property of Kano state government, so she don’t need any approval for any activity at their.
This text in full “Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, Distinguished Guests, and Esteemed members of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order.
“I welcome you all to this press briefing and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed guests from across, Nigeria and beyond who have traveled to Kano to attend the National Tijjaniyya Maulud in Kano State, being a historical center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony,l. We remain committed to upholding and supporting religious activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth.
It has, however, come to our attention with great concern that, security agencies have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event. 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 Kano State Government has not issued any complaints regarding insecurity, and we find the presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity unwarranted and unacceptable.
I wish to categorically state that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as scheduled that is tomorrow, Saturday 25th Jan. 2025 from 8:00 and at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned. This religious activity which has been on for the last 39 years, shall not be allowed to be obstructed, as the organization that organizes the annual event, is a body which is legitimately registered and recognized . Therefore any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this, is not only an encrochment on the citizens right of lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of right to religious practice in Nigeria. We call on all our guests from various States and all Mohammadawa to remain peaceful and steadfast in their commitment to observing this annual religious gathering.
Furthermore, we urge the Federal Government to immediately withdraw its security agencies from the venue and allow the event to proceed without hindrance. Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of Kano State Government, and there is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering.
Kano State has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not accept any form of intimidation or undue interference in our internal affairs. We remain resolute in ensuring that the rights of our people to religious freedom and peaceful assembly are respected.
Once again, I welcome all our guests and urge them to remain calm and law-abiding. The Maulud will hold successfully, In Shaa Allah.