By Aminu Garko
Kano, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday urged religious leaders to support his administration campaign against moral decadence in the society.
The governor made the call during a meeting with Chief Imam of Jummat mosques at the Government House, Kano.
Kabir-Yusuf enjoined the clerics to focus their teachings on the youths, to enable them to become upright and responsible members of the society.
“We in government see you as having a very important role to play in restoring the lost dignity of Kano as well as the heritage of the people.
“You should preach good and avoid politics while standing on your podium by calling on people to do the right things.
“There are over 24 million people in Kano and 65 per cent of them are youths who are facing all sorts of delinquencies and need to be protected.
“We need you to address them against drugs, adultery, robbery, phone snatching and other crimes.
We need you to contribute your part in that direction to salvage this community.
“As government; we will provide them with access to education, build their capacity and provide them with employment. You need to play your own part,” the governor said.
The governor promised to review the allowances of the clerics and also renovate Friday mosques in the state.
According to Kabir-Yusuf, the state government will provide food items to the people before the commencement of Ramadan fast.
He said the government had met with wealthy individuals from the state including Aliko Dangote, Aminu Dantata, and planned to meet with Abdussamad Isyaku-Rabiu, to seek their contributions towards supporting the people to mitigate the economic hardships.
Kabir-Yusuf reiterated his readiness to work with proposed Kano Elders’ Forum, to provide useful advise to the government.
Earlier, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Chief Imam of Sheikh Amadu Tijjani Juma’at Mosque, Kofar Mata, said the governor has taken a step towards moving state forward by engaging the clerics.
According to him, clerics are key to the development of the society, and pledged support to the government.
“We are apolitical, we are father to the people. We give suggestions to the government through proper channels not other means that would make the government feel disrespected”,he said.
