From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has debunked allegations circulating on social media by a blogger, @radical.okoja.bia, and others, claiming that the board is imposing restrictions on Christian worship in the state.
In a press statement issued on Saturday in Sokoto, the Commandant of the board, Dr Usman Abdullahi Jatau, described the claims as false, misleading and an attempt to discredit the board and disrupt religious harmony in the state.
Dr Jatau said it was necessary to set the record straight, stressing that Sokoto remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, where adherents of all faiths are treated with dignity and respect.
“Our response is not intended to please or offend anybody, but to correct factual inaccuracies, challenge unsupported assertions, and distinguish facts from malicious and fictitious misinterpretations,” he said.
The Commandant listed the allegations to include claims that mixed gatherings of men and women are not allowed in churches; that church services must be conducted separately; that a pastor cannot sit with his wife during services; and that there is an agenda to Islamise Nigeria, starting from Sokoto and Plateau states before extending to the Southwest, Southeast and South-South.
Dr Jatau stated categorically that the claims do not reflect the position, mandate or activities of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board.
He explained that the law establishing the Hisbah Board, as passed by the Sokoto State House of Assembly, applies only to Muslims and has no bearing on the religious practices of Christians or adherents of other faiths.
“The blogger should continue his campaign for whichever party he is working for, but should not link the Sokoto State Hisbah Board with his assertions on the political fortune or misfortune of the country,” the Commandant added.
He urged the general public to disregard the allegations and continue promoting peace, unity and mutual respect among all religious groups in the state.
