Wala Central Mosque Controversy:Kebbi Govt Denies Sacking Chief Imam

From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi

 The Kebbi State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arc. Muhammad Sani Aliyu on Sunday disassociated the State government from sacking the Chief Imam of Wala Central Mosque Birnin-Kebbi, the State Capital, Sheik Rufa’i Ibrahim,  describing the allegation as false and baseless.

Arc. Aliyu stated at a press conference that the Chief Imam had voluntarily resigned his appointments based on personal interest which was accepted by the Birnin Kebbi Local Government Council and approved by the State Government.

He said that the  Birnin-Kebbi local government Sole Administrator had already issued a statement that Na’ibul Imam (second in command) should take-over the position pending the appointments of a substantive Imam.

“I want to inform the general public that government has no hand in the Imam’s resignation, he decided to resign based on his personal reasons.

“Gov. Nasir Idris in his own magnanimity extended financial support to all Imam of Jumu’at Mosques in the state to assist them cushion the effect of present economic hardship in the country and help those around them.

“However, in the case of Wala Mosque, the support was handed over to the Deputy Imam in the absence of the Imam.” 

The commissioner pointed out that the action of the Imam was neither in line with Islamic ethics nor the rule of law and commended the sole administrator of Birnin Kebbi local government for accepting his resignation and appointing his deputy to take charge.

Arc. Sani-Aliyu called on Gwandu Emirate Council to put machinery in motion for the appointment of a substantive Chief Imam for the Wala Jumu’at Mosque.