The Katsina State Government has called in Islamic cleric Yahaya Masussuka over accusations that his regular teachings and sermons violate the general tenets of Islamic law in the state.
The notice was issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Almu-Gafai, on Tuesday in Katsina.
The statement explained that authorities had earlier received reports alleging that Masussuka’s preachings and teachings were not in line with the general principles of Islamic law.
It continued, “The government equally received another complaint from the side of Masussuka, that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia are insulting and threatening to attack him.”
To settle the dispute, the issues were forwarded to the Katsina Emirate Council, where both sides were summoned for dialogue.
The statement noted that “at the end of which, the Emir, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman, admonished that nobody is permitted to conduct preaching and teachings in such a way as to offend another.”
Governor Dikko Radda has ordered that Masussuka appear before a Committee of Ulamas to respond to the allegations.
The statement added, “According to Faskari, after which, standards and guidelines will be set out, and whoever contravenes, the government will take appropriate action on such individuals.”
The Secretary to the State Government also appealed for calm as the issue is being carefully managed.
The statement concluded that “The Secretary of the State Government further urged the general public to be patient as the matter is being judiciously handled.”
