Zamfara Ulama Condemn Governor Lawal’s Anniversary Celebration for Violating Islamic Values

A prominent Islamic organization in Zamfara State has expressed strong disapproval of the events that marked Governor Dauda Lawal’s second anniversary in office. The Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum (ZUDF) issued a statement in Gusau, criticizing the celebration for reintroducing behaviors contrary to the state’s Islamic values.

The group highlighted that the event featured musical performances with scantily clad female dancers and the public consumption of alcohol, actions deemed unacceptable under Islamic law and cultural norms in Zamfara.

Sheikh Bashir Mu’azu Marafa, the forum’s president, described the scenes as unimaginable in a state known for pioneering Sharia law in Nigeria. He stated, “It is both unfortunate and shameful that on the second-term anniversary of a sitting governor in a core Islamic state like Zamfara, alcohol was served, and women of questionable character were paraded on public stages in revealing clothes.”

He further emphasized that such displays are a clear departure from the values cherished by the people of Zamfara, who have long upheld Islamic governance. The presence of entertainers with female dancers in revealing attire was seen as a disgrace, especially in a society where modesty is a fundamental value.

The forum warned that this incident could signify a dangerous shift, undermining the efforts of Islamic clerics and moral reformers dedicated to preserving the state’s values. They questioned the message being sent to the younger generation when leaders appear to encourage moral decay in the name of celebration.

ZUDF called on Islamic clerics across the state to speak out against what they described as the creeping secularization of Zamfara under Governor Lawal’s administration. They urged the governor to issue a public apology and commit to restoring the moral sanctity of public events.

The forum also appealed to the state house of assembly, traditional institutions, and community-based organizations to hold the governor accountable for the coordination and content of the celebration. They stressed that leadership should be guided by wisdom and humility, noting that the event’s optics have caused dismay among the Muslim community in Zamfara and beyond.

Finally, the group expressed appreciation to members of the public who raised concerns on social media, particularly the youth, who they believe are more conscious of right and wrong than some officials. ZUDF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the moral integrity of the community and holding those in authority accountable.