The Chairman of Fityanul-Islam in Kaduna State, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahu Zaria, has pledged the group’s support for Governor Uba Sani in the next governorship election, saying the governor’s support for religious activities will be rewarded at the polls.
Rabiu made the pledge on Tuesday during the annual Maulid Nabiyyi celebration held at Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna.
The Islamic cleric commended Sani for proposing the establishment of a Kaduna State Religious Commission, saying the initiative would benefit adherents of different religions and sects across the state.
He said the governor had consistently supported religious activities since assuming office, adding that he had never rejected requests from Fityanul-Islam.
According to him, adherents of the two major religions in Kaduna had not experienced such support from previous administrations.
Rabiu said the group would reciprocate the governor’s gestures by supporting him politically.
“We will not vote for someone who hates us, someone who will prevent us from celebrating Maulid, or someone who will arrest our Qur’anic pupils,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Sani would complete his first term successfully, win a second term and eventually attain a higher political office.
“God willing, next May, we will all be gathered here at Murtala Muhammed Square to celebrate your victory at the polls,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Sani said the essence of Maulid was to encourage Muslims and other members of society to reflect on and emulate the exemplary character and lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad.
The governor said the Prophet’s leadership demonstrated inclusiveness, noting that he governed people of different faiths and backgrounds after migrating from Makkah to Madina.
“As leaders today, the only thing that we can do is to emulate the teachings and lifestyle of the prophet,” Sani said.
He commended the Kaduna branch of Fityanul-Islam for organising the celebration and assured the group of continued government support.
Sani attributed what he described as improved peace and stability in Kaduna to the administration’s policy of inclusiveness, saying the government does not judge people based on religion or ethnicity.
“In Kaduna, we don’t judge you by your religion but by your character,” he said.
The governor added that the approach had contributed to peaceful coexistence among residents, expressing satisfaction that people of different faiths were able to gather and celebrate together.
