Emir Sanusi and Governor Yusuf during the National Tijjaniyya Maulud at Sani Abacha Stadium . .below Governor Yusuf addressing a mammoth crowd during the event
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima and Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, in their separate messages on Saturday, praised the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect, for using their doctrine and religious teachings to promote peace and unity in Nigeria.
The two prominent Nigerian leaders spoke during the National Tijjaniyya Maulud held at Sani Abacha stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano.
Our Correspondent reports that an unprecedented crowd of Tijjaniyya followers graced the ceremony which was also attended by notable Islamic clerics, politicians and business magnets.
The venue of the event which was earlier sealed by security agencies was left open after a protest press conference by the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, held at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu, Friday night.
Police in Kano had earlier on Friday warned against large gatherings of people, citing intelligence reports on possible terrorist attack on Kano.
Sani Abacha stadium was blocked by security agencies minutes after a police warning, apparently to stop the Tijjaniyya sect Maulud ceremony which attracted followers from other parts of the country.
But the Kano state government through a Press Conference by Waiya and the state Commissioner of Religious Affairs countered the position of the police, insisting that the religious ceremony must be held as there were no obvious security threats in Kano at the moment.
The 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammad Sanusi 11 also graced the occasion that recorded the gathering of a mammoth crowd.
The Vice President made the commendation while speaking at the 2025 Maulud celebration for the late Shiek Ibrahim Niass, the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya sect.
VP Shettima, who was represented by Alhaji Babagana Fannami, praised the Muslim sect for standing over the past century in the true teachings of Islam.
Shettima, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, eulogised the guiding principles of the ‘Sufi’ sect to humanity.
The Vice President linked the unwavering tenacity of the Tijjaniyya sect to the lessons of Prophet Muhammad rather than compromising matters of the jurisprudence of Islam.
He, therefore, reminded Muslims to emulate the true teachings of Islam and avoid extremism.
The Chief Host, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, equally lauded the efforts of the Tijjaniyya sect in maintaining peace and harmonious relationships with other sects in Nigeria.
“As your host, we have to appreciate all of you for coming to Kano from far and near to attend this year’s mauled for Sheik Ibrahim Niass,” he said.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who doubles as the National Leader of the Tijjaniyya in Nigeria, prayed for the unity of Muslims around the globe and advocated for tolerance with believers of other faiths.