Chairman of Fityanul-Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi Zaria, has pledged the support of the Islamic organisation for Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in future elections, saying the governor’s support for religious activities will be reciprocated at the polls.
Sheikh Rabiu made the declaration on Tuesday during the annual Maulid Nabiyyi celebration organised by Fityanul-Islam at Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, where he commended the governor for proposing the establishment of the Kaduna State Religious Commission.
He said the proposed commission, if established, would benefit adherents of all religions and the various sects within them, describing the initiative as evidence of the governor’s commitment to religious inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
The Fityanul-Islam chairman said Governor Uba Sani had consistently supported religious activities since assuming office, adding that the governor had never turned down requests from the organisation.
According to him, the governor’s administration had demonstrated an uncommon level of support for religious communities in the state.
Sheikh Rabiu said Fityanul-Islam would reciprocate the governor’s gestures, declaring: “We will not vote for someone who hates us, someone who will prevent us from celebrating Maulud, or someone who will arrest our Qur’anic pupils.”
He expressed confidence that Governor Uba Sani would complete his first term successfully and secure a second term, praying that he would thereafter attain a higher political position. He added that, God willing, members of the organisation would gather at the same venue next May to celebrate the governor’s victory at the polls.
Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani said the essence of Maulud was to reflect on and emulate the exemplary character and lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his teachings on inclusiveness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The governor said Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embraced people irrespective of their religion and ethnicity, stressing that leaders must emulate his inclusive approach to governance to build a peaceful society.
Uba Sani recalled that when the Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madina, he governed inclusively, irrespective of the religious identities of the people, adding that Kaduna State had adopted a similar approach by treating citizens according to their character rather than their religion or ethnicity.
He said the approach had contributed to the relative peace and harmony being experienced in Kaduna State, assuring Fityanul-Islam and other religious organisations of his administration’s continued support in promoting peace and stability.
The governor said the presence of Muslims and Christians at the Maulud celebration demonstrated the spirit of tolerance in Kaduna, adding that the state had made progress because his administration embraced people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
“I am happy today that we are living peacefully and in harmony,” Governor Uba Sani said, urging residents to continue promoting mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
