Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has urged Islamic scholars to shun partisan politics and use their religious influence to promote peace, security, truthfulness and responsible leadership across the state.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the Governor gave the advice on Tuesday at a seminar organised by the Al-Asad Education Foundation, themed “The Role of Islamic Scholars in Promoting Peace and Security in Katsina State,” held at the Local Government Service Commission, Katsina.
Read also: Gov. Radda Leads Tinubu’s Campaign DG to Katsina Emirate to Seek Re-election Mandate
Governor Radda observed that Islamic scholars enjoy considerable public respect because their teachings are expected to be guided by religious principles, evidence and moral responsibility. He urged them to protect this trust by remaining impartial in political matters and focusing on their spiritual and moral responsibilities.
“Islamic scholars must protect their integrity and the respect they command in society. Their responsibility is to guide the people with truth, sound religious teachings and evidence, rather than allow partisan interests to influence their judgments,” the Governor said.
He noted that public confidence in politicians is sometimes affected by unfulfilled promises, explaining that his administration had made deliberate efforts to honour commitments made to the people of Katsina State since assuming office.
“Leadership is about keeping promises and demonstrating sincerity through actions. When we make commitments to the people, we must work diligently to fulfil them and justify the confidence they have placed in us,” he said.
The Governor also commended the presentation on the dangers of rumours, slander and false allegations, describing the subject as particularly relevant to the preservation of peace, public trust and social harmony.
He added that he had learnt to remain focused on his responsibilities despite rumours and falsehoods circulated about him, urging public officeholders and citizens alike not to allow misinformation to distract them from their duties.
Governor Radda called on Islamic scholars to use their sermons and public engagements to discourage hatred, promote peaceful coexistence and encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, traced the evolution of insecurity in Katsina State and outlined measures adopted by the Radda administration to address security challenges and protect lives and property.
The Commissioner explained that the government had introduced various initiatives aimed at strengthening security responses, improving cooperation with relevant stakeholders and restoring normalcy in communities affected by insecurity.
He disclosed that several roads and markets previously inaccessible or closed because of security concerns had reopened, noting that the restoration of access was important for economic activities, movement and the return of normal community life.
Dr. Danmusa urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times, stressing that security was a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and the general public.
Read also: Gov. Radda Announces Digital Courts, Judicial Welfare Package
He called on community members to report suspicious movements and credible security information to the appropriate authorities, while encouraging Islamic scholars to use their influence to discourage violence, promote peaceful conduct and strengthen public cooperation with security agencies.
Also Speaking, Chairman of the Al-Asad Education Foundation, Sheikh Dr. Goni Muneer, explained that the seminar was organised to equip Islamic scholars across Katsina State with the knowledge and guidance needed to contribute effectively to peacebuilding, security awareness and responsible religious leadership.
He observed that religious leaders occupy an influential position in society and can help prevent conflict by promoting tolerance, discouraging inflammatory statements and guiding their followers through sound religious teachings.
Sheikh Dr. Goni Muneer stressed the importance of continuous engagement with Islamic scholars, noting that their contributions to public enlightenment and moral guidance could help address misinformation, strengthen mutual understanding and promote peaceful coexistence.
In the same vein, Sheikh Dr. Atiku Balarabe Gusau presented a paper on the dangers of spreading rumours, highlighting the potential consequences of unverified information, slander and false allegations for individuals and society.
He emphasised the need for Muslims to uphold truthfulness, verify information and avoid spreading claims capable of damaging reputations, creating mistrust or generating conflict within communities.
Similarly, Sheikh Imam Hassan Daura delivered a lecture on the ethics and responsibilities of delivering sermons from the pulpit, drawing attention to the moral obligations of religious leaders in guiding their followers.
He explained that sermons should be grounded in sound religious knowledge, wisdom and responsible communication, urging Islamic scholars to use their platforms to promote unity, peaceful conduct and respect for others.
Sheikh Imam Safiyu Alkasim and Sheikh Imam Naziru Kafar Baru Daura provided commentaries on the papers presented, offering further perspectives on the responsibilities of scholars in addressing rumours, strengthening religious understanding and promoting security.
On his part, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Alhaji Ishaq Shehu Dabai, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the importance of religious guidance in strengthening moral values, promoting peaceful coexistence and addressing social challenges.
He noted that Islamic scholars have an important role to play in educating the public on religious obligations, responsible conduct and the need to maintain peace and unity in their respective communities.
Read also: Gov. Radda Pledges Sustained Support for Students, Graduates and Young Innovators
The Commissioner called for sustained collaboration between the government and religious institutions to ensure that religious teachings continue to contribute to public enlightenment, moral discipline and lasting peace across Katsina State.
Those in attendance were Chief of Staff Hon Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Islamic scholars, religious leaders, representatives of relevant government institutions and other stakeholders committed to promoting peace, security and responsible religious leadership in Katsina State.
