The Kano State Government says the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as planned despite the police alert on a suspected terrorist attack on public gatherings in the state.
The State Police Command had issued a public security alert stating that it had received intelligence reports about suspected terrorists planning to attack public gatherings in key locations across the state.
The State Government, however, rejected the security alarm, describing it as an attempt by Federal Security Operatives to disrupt an annual religious gathering in the state.
Addressing newsmen at the Emir’s Palace on Friday evening, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the Maulud would hold as scheduled from 8 a.m. at the Kofar Mata Stadium today.
He assured all participants that the state government would not allow any disruption of the event.
“This religious gathering is organized by a legitimately registered and recognized body, and any attempt to obstruct it would be a violation of the citizens’ right to lawful assembly and religious practice in Nigeria,” Waiya said.
He criticized the action of security agencies, accusing them of blocking the venue for the venue of the National Tijjaniyya Maulud, which he said is a religious event that has been held annually for over 39 years.
“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 presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity is unwarranted and unacceptable.
“Kano State, as a historical center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony, remains committed to upholding and supporting activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth,” he said.
The commissioner urged the Federal Government to withdraw its security agencies from the venue immediately, stressing that Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of the Kano State Government.
“There is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering,” he said.
He reassured participants and guests of the state’s commitment to ensuring the event’s success while maintaining peace and order.
“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,” he warned.
Wayya urged guests and attendees of the event to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast in their commitment to the peaceful observance of the annual gathering.
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