The Kebbi State Government has dismissed allegations of its involvement in the resignation of the Chief Imam of Wala Central Mosque in Birnin Kebbi, Sheik Rufa’i Ibrahim.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday the Hon. Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arc. Mohammed Sani-Aliyu said government was not in anyway witch-hunting anybody.
He added that the Chief Imam had voluntarily resigned his appointments based on personal interest which was accepted by the Birnin Kebbi Local Government Council and approved by the State Government.
Sani-Aliyu said the local government Sole Administrator had already issued a statement that Na’ibul Imam (second in command) should take-over the position pending the appointments of a substantive Imam.
“I want to inform the general public that government has no hand in the Imam’s resignation, he decided to resign based on personal reasons.
“Gov. Nasir Idris in his own magnanimity extended financial support to all Imam of Jumu’at Mosques in the state to assist them cushion the effect of present economic hardship in the country and help those around them.
“However, in the case of Wala Mosque, the support was handed over to the Deputy Imam in the absence of the Imam,” he said.
The commissioner pointed out that the action of the Imam was neither in line with Islamic ethics nor the rule of law and commended the sole administrator of Birnin Kebbi local government for accepting his resignation and appointing his deputy to take charge.
Arc. Sani-Aliyu then called on Gwandu Emirate Council to put machinery in motion for the appointment of a substantive Chief Imam for the Wala Jumu’at Mosque.
