Harsh Political Remarks: Islamic Cleric Slams Kano Governor

In a scathing and unvarnished video, a prominent Islamic cleric from Maiduguri, Imam Ismail Maiduguri, has released an open letter to Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Governor, criticizing what he called a dangerous arrogance in the governor’s remarks.

Imam Ismail said:

“I saw your video where you said you were surprised by anyone who thought he could defeat a party with 31 state governors. There is no god but Allah. This statement is dangerous to the Muslim faith.”

He cited an example from the Holy Quran, specifically Surah Yasin, where a man doubts the resurrection and asks who will revive the bones that have rotted away.

 The scholar said:

“Allah says in Surah Yasin that this man cites an example but forgets his creation… The scholars of tafsir say that it was either Asee bin Wa’il or Ukbayyu bin Khalaf who brought a bone to the Prophet (PBUH), asking who would revive it. Then Allah commanded the Prophet to say: He who created them in the first place, He will revive them again. He has forgotten his origin.”

He then turned to the governor’s political issue, saying:

“The governor has forgotten when he contested; he has no president, no INEC, no police, no courts. All he has is Allah, and Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the followers of Kwankwasiyya and the people of Kano. Is this the God you doubt that he cannot defeat a party with 31 governors?”

 He also warned by citing the example of the Battle of Hunayn, saying:

“Allah rebuked the Companions in the Battle of Hunayn when they saw that their number had reached twelve thousand. Then they felt confident… Allah said, He helped you in many battles when you were few, but in Hunayn your number impressed you, but in the end it did not benefit you… Your number did not help you.”

Finally, Imam Ismail gave a direct advice:

“I advise Your Excellency, with respect, to repent to Allah and withdraw these words so that Allah may not tempt him. May Allah guide our leaders and us all.”