By Umar Babangida
The Katsina State Government has summoned embattled Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, to appear before the State Council of Ulamas over allegations that his recent sermons contradict established principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
The directive, issued on Tuesday, followed multiple complaints lodged by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), accusing the cleric of making statements deemed contrary to orthodox Islamic teachings.
This development comes barely weeks after the Katsina Emirate Council, under the leadership of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR, invited Sheikh Masussuka to defend himself against similar allegations of delivering controversial sermons and making derogatory remarks about early Islamic scholars.During the earlier session at the emirate council, both the cleric and representatives of JIBWIS were heard.
The Emir reportedly cautioned the sheikh to moderate his utterances and urged all parties to maintain peace and decorum in their preaching activities.In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the government said it had received overwhelming complaints regarding the cleric’s teachings, leaving it with “no option but to address the matter in a fair and judicious manner.
”The government assured the public that due process would guide the engagement with the cleric, while emphasizing its commitment to maintaining peace and religious harmony across the state.