The governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu has warned residents to desist from blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
Aliyu’s warning followed the killing of one butcher, Usman Buda Mai Hanji by extremist Muslims for allegedly making blasphemous remarks about the personality of Prophet Muhammad in Sokoto on Sunday.
The governor issues the warning in a statement through his Spokesperson, Malam Abubakar Bawa.
He cautioned that any actions that might diminish the stature of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly in a state like Sokoto where the population is predominately Muslim will not be overlooked.
According to him, the residents of Sokoto have a great deal of respect and regard for the Prophet Muhammad, which was why it was important for them to uphold His dignity and protect His persona.
He urged the residents of the State to stop enforcing laws on their own, and instead to report any alleged crimes or blasphemy to the relevant authorities for follow-up action.
The Governor insisted that Islam forbids making one’s own laws, and he urged everyone to be devout adherents of the faith.
“The present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with any one found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), in line with the provision of Islamic law.”
He reassured the state’s citizens of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all law-abiding citizens’ lives and property.
