Key Takeaways
- Governor Uba Sani has been commended for proposing the Kaduna State Religious Commission, which supporters say will benefit all faiths and denominations.
- The chairman of Fityanul-Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahu Zaria, praised the governor for backing religious activities and never refusing the group's requests.
- Sheikh Rabiu pledged the group would not vote for anyone who opposes religious freedom, and he predicted the governor would secure a second term and rise further.
- Governor Sani used the Maulid gathering to call for inclusive leadership modelled on Prophet Muhammad's example in Madina.
Recognition at Annual Maulid
Governor Uba Sani has received strong commendation for proposing the Kaduna State Religious Commission, an initiative that supporters say will serve adherents of all religions and the various sects within them. The praise came from Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahu Zaria, Chairman of Fityanul-Islam, during the group's annual Maulid Nabiyyi celebrations at Murtala Mohammed Square on Tuesday.
Sheikh Rabiu said the governor has supported religious activities since assuming office and has never turned down a request from Fityanul-Islam. He described Uba Sani as the most supportive governor that followers of the two major religions have had.
The cleric promised that 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 Maulid, or someone who will arrest our Qur'anic pupils."
Sheikh Rabiu also voiced confidence in the governor's political future, saying God willing, Uba Sani will complete his first term victoriously, secure a second term, and ascend to a higher position afterward. He further predicted that next May, "we will all be gathered here at Murtala Muhammed Square to celebrate your victory at the polls."
A Call for Inclusive Leadership
Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani explained that the significance of the Maulid celebration is for people to reflect on and emulate the exemplary character of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He emphasised that the Prophet embraced everyone regardless of religion or ethnicity, and that this is the true meaning of the gathering.
"If we emulate the teachings and the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we will live peacefully as a society and as a nation at large," the governor said. He recalled that when the Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madina, he governed in an inclusive manner, treating Muslims and Christians alike.
"As leaders today, the only thing that we can do is to emulate the teachings and lifestyle of the prophet," Uba Sani added, commending the leadership of Fityanul-Islam's Kaduna State branch for organising the important gathering. He pledged that his government would continue to work closely with the group to ensure peace and stability.
The governor noted that Kaduna State has achieved modest peace and tranquillity compared with other parts of Nigeria because his administration embraces everyone irrespective of religion and tribe. He pointed out that people of different faiths were present at the celebration, saying, "In Kaduna, we don't judge you by your religion but by your character." He expressed happiness that the state is living peacefully and in harmony, and he credited this inclusive approach to governance for the positive outcome.
Why This Matters
This endorsement carries political and social weight in a state where religious identity has historically played a central role in public life. By proposing a religious commission and winning praise from a major Islamic organisation, Governor Uba Sani is seeking to consolidate interfaith support ahead of future electoral contests.