Kano State Government has condemned the blockage of the venue designated for the National Tijjaniyya Maulud by security agencies.
The Honorable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, addressing a press conference on Friday said the state government remains committed to upholding and supporting religious activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth.
He appreciated 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.
He, however, said the state government’s attention has been drawn to the security agencies that have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event.
According to the Commissioner, the action is unnecessary and unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that would warrant such an extreme measure.
He said: “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 be held as scheduled, that is, tomorrow, Saturday, 25th Jan. 2025, from 8:00, at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned.
“This religious activity, which has been ongoing for the last 39 years, shall not be allowed to be obstructed, as the organization that organizes the annual event is legitimately registered and recognized.
“Therefore, any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this is not only an encroachment on the citizens’ right to lawful assembly but also a fundamental breach of the 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.
“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 the property of the 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.”
“The Maulud will hold successfully.”
