Sokoto Govt Partners S/Arabia on Islamic Propagation

–         Inaugurates Hisbah corps

Onuminya Innocent

The Sokoto State Government says it is ready to partner Saudi Arabia in the propagation of Islam. 

Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave this assurance when he hosted the representative of Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nigeria, Dr Nami Jarullah, to a dinner. 

In another development, the governor inaugurated the reestablished Hisbah Corps and commissioned its state secretariat while warning against which-hunt of innocent citizens in their line of duty. 

He reminded the members of the Corps to work in line with the laws guiding its establishment so as to not to contravene the nation’s extant laws. 

While hosting the representative of Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nigeria, the governor described support to Islamic activities, especially propagation of Islam, as crucial for clear understanding of the true teachings of Islam. 

His words: “We need to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the negative perceptions the non-Muslims have about Islam is changed.

“Islam always preaches peace and it is against violence or terrorism. It is a religion that always encourages people to live in harmony with one another irrespective of tribal or religious differences.”

Governor Aliyu said since assuming office, his administration had executed various programmes aimed at promoting Islamic propagation in the state. 

These include the building of new Mosques and Islamiyya schools, renovation of many Juma’at Mosques, carpeting of Mosques, installation of solar-powered system as well the drilling of boreholes in many Mosques. 

He added that the suspended monthly allowance to Imams, deputy Imams and Muazzins had been restored, while food and cash assistance was given to Muslim scholars, vulnerable groups, orphans as well as needy persons across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Gov. Aliyu further reassured of his administration’s determination to continue to support the propagation of Islam across the state.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Mai Hulla, said they were in Sokoto to conduct a refresher course for Imams and Muazzins as well Quranic competition.

He added that the course had offered an opportunity for its participants to learn the rudiments of Azhan and other issues related to that.

In his words, the visiting Saudi Embassy Attache, Dr. Nami Jarullah, extolled the long existing relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which dates back to time immemorial.

He said: “The relationship between us and Nigeria has been very mutual for a very a long time and it has been very fruitful.”

According to him, Nigeria gets the highest scholarship slots being offered to Muslim students from across the globe to study in Saudi Universities.

Dr. Jarullah added that Saudi Arabia attaches greater importance to Islamic propagation and Quranic recitation competition. 

The highlight of the state dinner was the exchange of souvenir between the governor and his guest.

Meanwhile, while reminding members of the Hisbah Corps to work in line with the laws guiding its establishment, the governor said: “I want to remind you that you must take into consideration the fundamental human rights, and always work within the ambit of the law.

“You must also have the fear of Allah while carrying out your assignment, which is primarily to sanitize the society from the sinful acts and devilish behaviors that often attract heavy consequences in the sight of Allah.”

Governor Aliyu further said that the Hisbah board is not to take over the duty of the conventional security outfits, but rather to complement their effort in protecting the lives and property of people of the state.

He added that Hisbah is backed by law and is empowered to make arrest and hand over suspects to the Police for eventual prosecution before a Shari’a Court. 

The governor also said that the state government would continue to monitor the activities of the Corps to ensure strict compliance with the laws establishing it. 

He reminded members of Hisbah Corps that their primary role is to rid the society of all sinful acts being committed which could lead to unpalatable consequences in the society.

“In order to ensure that Hisbah succeeds in its operations, we have provided patrol vehicles and motorcycles as well as a befitting office accommodation to the board, and very soon, we will provide local government offices to the board,” he added.

The governor, therefore, solicited for support and cooperation from the people of the state for the re-established Hisbah to effectively carry out its responsibility. 

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Sani Mai-hula highlighted some of the remarkable achievements recorded by the present administration in promoting Islamic affairs in the state.