Bauchi govt suspends Islamic cleric indefinitely over incitement

The Bauchi State government has suspended an Islamic Cleric indefinitely over supposed incitement in his sermons.

The suspension was enclosed in a media statement endorsed by the Commissioner, Ministry for Religious Affairs and Social Welfare, Ahmad Jalam, and addressed to the Islamic Cleric, Malam Abubakar Idris, Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State which was acquired by our reporter on Thursday.

As indicated by the statement titled, “Violation of the ethics of Preaching and Sermons in the state,” the Cleric was found to have been reprimanding acquaintances of Prophet Muhammad in his sermons.

This, the government stated, was capable of starting violence which will lead to the collapse of the law and order in the state.

The government, consequently, suspended him from preaching in any part of the state.

The statement partly read, “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 lead 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.”