Atiku: An Imam was suspended after leading us in prayer

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has accused politicians, particularly some governors, of “witch-hunting” people who associate with him.

Atiku alleged that an Imam was suspended after leading a congregational prayer he attended.

Atiku stated this on Saturday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, during his ongoing presidential campaign in the state.

Atiku said he was at the palace as mark of honor and respect to the traditional institutions.

“Your Royal Highness, for me, this is my home. I came to the palace to pay my respect and honor to our royal father.”

Atiku questioned why many politicians returned to traditional institutions to receive titles, saying it showed the importance of traditional institutions to the people.

“I want to ask a question: Why do politicians return to traditional institutions to seek titles after leaving public office? Whether you are a president, governor, senator or minister, once you finish your tenure, you return to the palace to receive a traditional title because this is our root and our future.

“We really appreciate this opportunity to visit and pay our respect to Your Highness in Bauchi,” he said.

Atiku commended Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for granting him unhindered access to Bauchi’s traditional emirate, adding, “I want to specially thank the Governor of Bauchi State for his hospitality to us because, in many places we visit, they do not allow us to see the traditional rulers. They do not allow us to pay our respects to them; instead, they block us.

“The ugly trend has reached a point where an imam at a mosque where I prayed was suspended by the governor. This prompted me to ask: In the history of Northern Nigeria, I know that an imam is under the authority of the paramount traditional ruler, the Emir, and not the governor, because a governor will complete his tenure and leave office, while the Emir remains in his position.

“Because of the growing lack of respect for traditional institutions, disregard for due process and abuse of established procedures, politicians are now encroaching on the jurisdiction of the Emir. I swear to God this will not happen under my watch.

“Even the colonial masters, when they came, met our traditional rulers leading our scholars, clerics and other traditional institutions.

“I want to assure Your Royal Highness that we have no intention of changing the history of our people. I pray Allah to give us the opportunity and the will to do what is right.”

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.