Islamic Cleric Appeals to Kwara Governor to Cease Alleged Harassment of Saraki
Sheikh Gwani Yusuf, a prominent Islamic cleric and national leader of the Council of Quranic Reciters of Nigeria, has issued a strong appeal to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He urges the governor to put an end to what he describes as the persistent victimisation and harassment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his political allies.
Call for Unity Amidst Political Tensions
In a press statement released from Abuja on Saturday, Sheikh Gwani Yusuf emphasized that the ongoing political feud in Kwara State is becoming a significant distraction. This comes at a time when the Northern region is grappling with severe economic and security challenges. The cleric argued that actions by state authorities, including the recent decision to arraign Saraki and his associates before the Kwara State High Court over the 2018 Offa Robbery incident scheduled for June 4, amount to political witch-hunts rather than genuine accountability.
Sheikh Gwani Yusuf stated, "What we are witnessing in Kwara today is not accountability; it is victimisation and harassment of a prominent northern son. The governor must rise above personal politics and govern for all Kwarans because everything in life is a matter of time."
Impact on Regional Interests and 2027 Elections
The Islamic cleric further highlighted that the political rift in Kwara State is detrimental to the collective interests of the North, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon. He warned that the region cannot afford to be seen as cannibalising its own leaders while expecting other regions to respect its political strength.
"Unity is not a slogan; it is a strategy," Sheikh Gwani Yusuf asserted. "We all need to build bridges, not burn them in the interest of one united and prosperous Northern Nigeria."
This statement underscores the cleric's concern that internal conflicts could weaken the North's political cohesion and electoral prospects. By calling for an end to the alleged harassment, he aims to foster a more collaborative political environment that prioritizes regional stability over personal vendettas.
