The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has urged islamic clerics in Kano not to directly interfere in the Emirship tussle between Ado Bayero and Lamido Sanusi Lamido, who was recently reinstated by the state government.
In a statement signed by Prof Salisu Shehu the Council’s Secretary General on Wednesday, the umbrella body of Muslims in the country said political and traditional leaders in the state should be allowed to settle the issue among contending parties.
Shehu stated that the islamic clerics should also refrain from making unnecessary statements capable of excerbating the political crisis in the state.
Following the reinstatement of Sanusi II by the state government last week, tension has surged among supporters on both sides.
The state government has accused some officials of the federal government, including the National security Adviser, NSA,, Nuhu Ribadu of smuggling Bayero back into the state, with the intension of distabilising the state.
Ribadu has denied the allegations, while conflicting court ruling on the tussle has also put the state on the edge of serious political crisis.
According to the NSCIA the issue can only be resolved by the political and traditional leaders in the troubled state, adding that the judiciary should do its job of upholding the law on the matter.
Part of the statement said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has noticed the contradictory statements emanating from some quarters of the Ulama in Kano concerning the current traditional leadership crisis in the state.
“At this trying period for the Ummah, the Council calls on Islamic scholars, who are custodians of Islamic learning, values and guidance, to exercise caution and refrain from making statements that can further exacerbate tension and polarise the Ummah.
“Ulama within and outside the state should prayerfully allow the current traditional leadership conflict in Kano, to be handled and resolved by the political, judicial and customary authorities.
“Meanwhile, the Council calls on Kano’s political, traditional and judicial authorities to resolve the current issue with the fear of Allah, fairness and justice.
“The Council calls on the people of Kano to sincerely call on Allah, remain calm and avoid taking laws into their hands. May Allah grant us sustainable peace in our dear Country, Nigeria.”
NSCIA is under the leadership of respected Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad.