Waiya during the press conference

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state government has faulted the blockage of Sani Abacha stadium, the venue of the Tijjaniyya Maulud ceremony by security agencies, insisting that the event must be held as scheduled on Saturday.

Security agencies had blocked the l venue of the event citing security threats, but the state government has condemned the action maintaining that there is no sign of security risk in the state at the moment.

Briefing journalists at the Emir palace on Friday, the state Commissioner of  Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya maintained that the action was unacceptable and uncalled for.

He said that the state government remain committed to upholding and supporting religious activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth.

He said:  “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 be held as scheduled that is tomorrow, Saturday 25th Jan. 2025 from 8:00 and at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned.”

Waiya recalled that the religious activity has been on for the last 39 years and 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 encroachment on the citizen’s 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 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.

“Once again, I welcome all our guests and urge them to remain calm and law-abiding. The Maulud will hold successfully, In Shaa Allah,” he added.