Kebbi @ 31: Bagudu commits to open door policy, good governance
Bagudu also said he would unwaveringly remain resolute in entrenching good governance and sustain diligent service delivery to the people of the state.
He spoke in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday at a special prayer session organized as part of the 31st Anniversary of the creation of the state by the then President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The Chairman of the APC Governors' Forum further vowed to continue to be receptive to myriad of advice and suggestions from the Ulamas and other religious clerics on the entrenchment of moral values, good conduct and compassionate leadership.
Bagudu said the Special Walima and preaching session to mark the 31st Anniversary of the creation of Kebbi State held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi was epochal.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar Yauri, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu explained that the incumbent administration decided to make sober reflections on the thirty-one year journey for the existence of Kebbi State by shunning unnecessary celebration and merriment, but gathering the Ulamas to pray for the nation and alert leaders of their religious obligations about governance.
He advised the citizenry against taking hasty decisions on matters affecting government and governance, but to make necessary inquiries on true state of affairs.
Narrating the most challenging issue confronting the government, the governor described security matters as worrisome.
Bagudu made it clear that, Kebbi State has been relatively insulated from banditry until recently when pockets of attacks were experienced in some areas of the state, assuring that the government was fully on ground to bring an end to it.
Bagudu recalled when he became emotional and shed tears after he was informed about the episode at the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri.
He pointed out that he had visited all relevant heads of national security agencies towards rescuing the abducted students and would sustain the tempo until everyone of them has been freed from captivity.
Bagudu added that he had undertaken sympathety visits to communities which experienced attacks by bandits to console them and share their pains.
He said the government would welcome advice the people might offer to the administration on good governance through its open door policy.
The governor thanked the Ulamas for their support, loyalty and cooperation to the government, as well as sustaining prayers in Mosques and religious gatherings for peace, security and tranquility in the society.
Four Islamic scholars delivered lectures on the occasion of the 31st Anniversary for the creation of Kebbi state.
They are Sheikh Basiru Musa Fakai, Sheikh Tijjani Muhammad Gitta who represented Sheikh Umar Malisa, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isah Jega, and Sheikh Usman Adam Jega who represented Sheikh Abbas Jega.
Sheikh Basiru Musa Fakai, who spoke on the rights of both leaders and followers, quoted verses from the Glorious Qur’an and admonished leaders to be compassionate and God-fearing in the task of governance while the people should remain obedient and avoid hasty decisions in adjudging the actions of persons at the top.
Similarly, Sheikh Usman Adam Jega dwelt on the importance of providing necessary information to security services towards surmounting security challenges and securing victory in the fight against banditry, insurgency and terrorism.
Sheikh Usman Adam Jega, who quoted verses of the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reminded Muslims about the Islamic injunction against shielding criminals and their collaborators.
He warned criminals under whatever guise who spread evil across the land of the monumental torment destined for them by God.
The Islamic cleric decried the situation of which bandits unleash killings on old and young men, women and children including babies, as well as burning houses, markets and other abodes.
Sheikh Usman Adam Jega warned the perpetrators of such inhuman criminals that they were directly fighting God, making it clear that no mortal can fight God and survive.
On his part, Sheikh Tijjani Muhammad Gitta spoke on the attainment of a decent society and self-reliance, explaining that, Muslims must follow the Sunnah (Path) of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to enable them attain a cleanse society.
He said good morals and conduct by Muslims served as the basis of attracting non-Muslims into Islam, and advised Muslims to be benevolent to all persons as practicalized by the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) who has never eaten his meal alone, but invite others to join him.
The Chairman, Council of Ulamas in Kebbi State, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isah Jega reappraised the practice of democracy for its importance to the people for development.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Isah Jega remarked that although the intention of western nations who are the proponents of democracy may be at variance with the tenets of Islam, Muslims in Nigeria used an opportunity under democratic dispensation to establish Shari’a rule.
The Chief Imam, Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi, Walin Gwandu, gave an overview of the lectures delivered.
He advised Muslims to be steadfast in adhering to the commandments of Allah as contained in the Glorious Qur’an and practicalized by the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Director, Shari’ah , Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Augie, commended the State Government for organizing the Walima preaching session and thanked all the Ulamas for their presence and contributions to Islamic awareness.
The State Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena and the Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Suleiman Khalid were among top government officials at the event