From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr Abdullahi Gadon Kaya, has urged members of the Nasarawa Muslim community and Muslims across Cross River State to be law-abiding citizens, remain loyal to constituted authorities and uphold the teachings of Islam.
He also called on Muslims to seek knowledge and remain committed to peaceful coexistence with other communities.
Dr Gadon Kaya made the call during his visit to Cross River State at the invitation of the Nasarawa Muslim community for a Qur’anic competition (Musabaka) held in the Nasarawa community of Calabar Municipal Local Government Area.
The cleric also commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for including people from northern Nigeria among his appointees.
Dr Gadon Kaya, who expressed his appreciation for the large Muslim population in Nasarawa and other parts of Calabar, including Awi in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Hausa Quarters and the NNPC Depot area, said he was impressed by the turnout of Muslim communities and Islamic schools.
“I am highly impressed with the large number of Muslims scattered across Calabar and other local government areas of Cross River State. The large turnout at the Islamic schools is evidence that Muslims in Cross River do not take their religion and the pursuit of knowledge lightly. This also aligns with what we see among our brothers in the North,” he said.
He added that he would share the experience with people in the North upon his return.
“I will disseminate the information when I get home that there are large numbers of Muslims from different parts of Nigeria, including indigenes of Cross River State, living in the state,” he said.
Dr Abdullahi Gadon Kaya was in Cross River State over the weekend for the Qur’anic competition.
Responding, the Special Assistant to Governor Bassey Edet Otu on Ranching and Nomadic Affairs, Alhaji Nasiru Baba Gombe, expressed delight over the cleric’s remarks.
“We are very happy with the encomium showered on us. We really appreciate you for honouring our invitation to come and grace the Qur’anic competition in our community,” he said.
Alhaji Nasiru Gombe also highlighted the cordial relationship and mutual understanding between northern communities and the Cross River State Government.
