Why We Won’t Debate With Kano Cleric Accused Of Blasphemy – JNI

The umbrella body of Muslim communities in Nigeria, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has rejected the offer to attend a debate with controversial Kano Sheikh, Abduljabbar Kabara accused of blasphemy.

The debate organized by the Kano State government was scheduled for March 7 and was supposed to pitch Kabara against other Islamic clerics.

But the JNI under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto HRH Sa’ad Abubakar III has declared that it won’t be available for the debate.

It added that though the matter affects all practicing Muslims, it doesn’t believe that the person involved should be given such undue attention.

It also called on the Kano State government to consult further on the appropriate way to deal with such a matter so as to avoid pitfalls that may be created.

The JNI statement through its secretary-general, Khalid Aliyu reads: “At the beginning of the imbroglio, we commended the Kano State government for the step it has taken to avert calamity on the land and prevent break down of law and order,” he said.

“We equally expected that the government will consult widely on the way forward as this problem is not only restricted to Kano state; it’s a National or rather global phenomenon that affects every true practicing Muslim.

“It appears that the issue is blown out of proportion by giving it undue publicity by the government and individuals, thereby making a hero out of a cowardly and disrespectful act on the most distinguished of Allah’s creatures, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Abdul-Jabbar does not deserve the kind of publicity and attention accorded him since the break of this act of indignity.

“JNI based on most jurisprudential deductions feels that it’s not even proper to debate with Abdul-Jabbar as someone who openly blasphemes against the noble Prophet (SAW). His fate is sealed Islamically; there’s no point giving him additional opportunity and coverage to further spew his ungodly past-time to the world.

“Had the Kano state Government consult most of the notable personalities invited (or expected) to grace the planned debate, the above stated pitfalls would have been avoided. Therefore, JNI hereby declares that it was not privy to any of the steps so far taken hence it will not attend the planned debate, and neither would any of its branches participate therein.”

Naija News recalls Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State had barred Sheikh Kabara from preaching in the state over his messages which are considered inciting and blasphemous.

Ganduje said the cleric was banned from preaching or leading prayers for making inciting statements, which are capable of breaching the peace in the state.

However, the cleric maintained that the governor’s action against him is more political than religious or incitement, adding that he worked against Ganduje in the 2019 elections.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kabir Kankara, says its members do not have any link with bandits.

The Federal Government on Tuesday announced a ban on mining activities in Zamfara and also declared the state a no-fly zone following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in the state.

According to the federal government, the steps are to curb the rising insecurity in the state.

Speaking in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Abuja, Kankara said tackling insecurity in the state was a timely and welcome development as it was for the safety of lives and property.