Gov Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto has warned that anyone found guilty of ‘blasphemy’ against Prophet Muhammed will be severely dealt with.
The governor issued the warning while reacting to the murder of a butcher, Usman Buda, who was killed by some aggrieved Muslims over claims he allegedly made a blasphemous comment on Sunday, June 25.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, Governor Aliyu warned against any act capable of “degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is predominantly a Muslim-dominated community.”
The governor said there’s a need for all the residents to respect and protect the prophet’s dignity and personality. He also called on the people of the state to remain calm and stop taking laws into their hands.
The statement in part reads;
“Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.
Dr Aliyu said that Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.
I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.
Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion”.
He added that the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in line with the provision of Islamic laws.
The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.
The governor also warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.”
