Zulum Calls For Establishment Of Framework To Guide Issuance Of ‘Fatwa’

By Bukar Bolori

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called for government establishment of framework to guide the issuance of fatwa.Zulum, who on Monday graced the closing ceremony of a two-day Seminar with the theme: “The Role of Fatwa in Sustaining Peace and Stability”, organized by the Indimi Islamic Trust Centre in Maiduguri, said there is the need for government to establish an institutional framework that will guide the conduct of fatwa.He noted that this should not only be limited to Borno state, but the entire country, disclosing that Borno State has already established the Borno State Preaching Service Board.Zulum, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of the seminar and said that there is no better time than now for holding such a seminar in the state.The governor also emphasized the need for understanding the meaning and proper use of fatwas, which he explained as the opinion cited by an Islamic scholar (a qualified jurist) about some aspects of Islamic law.The Governor assured the organizers that Borno State Government would keenly look into the outcome of the communique of the seminar and give its support where necessary, including tabling relevant recommendations to the Northeast Governors’ Forum.Zulum was accompanied to the seminar by the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Usman Jidda Shuwa, Chief of Staff, Professor Isa Marte and Former Commissioner of Agriculture, Engr. Bukar Talba.The seminar was attended by top clerics, including Dr. Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemu from Kano, Chief Imam Indimi Mosque, Dr. Muhammad Alhaji Abubakar Alkitab, the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Sheikh Modu Mustapha, amongst other prominent scholars in Borno state.