Bauchi Govt Suspends Islamic Cleric Indefinitely Over Incitement

Malam Abubakar Idris of Azare in the Katagum LGA of Bauchi State has been suspended by the Bauchi State Government for allegedly inciting preaching and sermons.

The cleric’s suspension was announced in a statement signed by Alh. Ahmad Aliyu Jalam, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Community Relations, and Social Welfare, on April 27, 2021.

The suspension letter titled: ‘Violation of the ethics of preaching and sermons in the state’ reads:

“The attention of the Bauchi State Government has been drawn to the manner of your preaching and sermons. The report revealed that you are castigating the companions of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while conducting your preaching.

“This attitude is a clear violation of the conduct and ethics of preaching, that is capable of raising people’s tension and certainly leads to the violation of law and order which the Government may not tolerate.

“Consequently, you are suspended from conducting preaching and leading congregational prayers in any part of the state in the interest of peace. You are advised to abide by this instruction in your own interest as the security agencies will ensure strict compliance.

The suspension comes two days after the Commissioner expressed concern about a reliable intelligence report that arrived at his office, suggesting a spate of illegal propagation practices by a few Islamic clerics in some parts of the state.

In his teaching and sermons, Alhaji Aliyu Jalam explained that one of the clerics went so far as to preach against the Holy Prophet’s nobility and pious status, as well as casting aspersions on the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The Bauchi state government, according to the commissioner, regards this activity as a significant breach of the Bauchi State Islamic code for preaching and other relevant matters.

He cautioned that the state government would not tolerate any breach in the conduct of religious preaching across the state, saying that the month of Ramadan should be used by all preachers to achieve unity through moderation and reverence for our Holy Prophet’s teachings and practices (SAW)

Jalam also advised religious preachers to follow the guidelines and code of procedures in the delivery of their sermons in order to ensure religious tolerance and peace among their congregations.