Ex-Kano Emir Sanusi backs Ganduje for banning Sheikh Abduljabbar

The immediate past emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, has commended the governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje for banning fiery cleric, Sheikh Abdujjabar Nasiru-Kabara from preaching in the state.

Governor Ganduje on Wednesday banned the activities of Mr Nasiru-Kabara in the state, directing the closure of his mosque, located at Gwale Local Government in the Kano metropolis.

The order was issued following the allegations that the preacher insults the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad in his religious commentaries.

The emir gave the commendation during his lecture series from Oxford, UK, saying the decision of the state government to ban Mr Nasiru-Kabara was commendable and should be supported.

According to him, Muslims in Kano are strict followers of the path of “Ahlussuna wal Jama’a” and are ready to reject anybody that brings alien innovations into the religion of Islam in the state.

Mr Sanusi stated that Muslims in the Kano had chosen to follow the path of late Sheikh Usman Danfodio who lived his life on the legacy of Ahlussuna wal Jama’a — sticking to the traditions of the Holy Prophet and disregarding innovations in the religion.

The emir therefore lauded Mr Ganduje for banning the controversial cleric, calling on people in the state to remain calm and peaceful.

“The decision taken by the state government is commendable. We must commend the governor for taking the bold decision.

“I urge Muslims, especially in Kano, to continue to stand firmly on the legacy of Sheikh Usman Danfodio, that is the legacy of Ahlussuna wal jama’a.

“We are ready to reject anybody that tries to bring alien innovations into our religion. We will show him that Kano would not be a place for that strange religious practices,” Mr Sanusi said.

The monarch also commended Islamic clerics in the state for being resolute to challenge Mr Nasiru-Kabara, urging them to continue fighting it and live peacefully with one another.

“We pray to Almighty Allah to protect us from any evil. May He protect our religion and our faith, that is strict followership to Ahlussuna wal Jama’a,” Mr Sanusi added.

Mr Nasiru-Kabara, the son of the revered former leader of Qadiriyya sect in Africa, late Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, is famous for controversial religious commentaries, especially in recent times.

Mr Nasiru-Kabara, who is a factional leader of the Qadiriyya sect, had recently been at loggerheads with Sunni followers for allegedly insulting the companions of Holy Prophet Muhammad and the prophet himself.