The Kano State Government has inaugurated a Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee to address rising tensions at the Ihya’us Sunnah Juma’at Mosque in the Gwammaja community of Dala Local Government Area. The decision follows a security report submitted by the Department of State Services (DSS) highlighting renewed threats to peace over a supremacy tussle at the mosque.
Performing the inauguration on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, said the committee is mandated to identify the remote and immediate causes of the prolonged conflict between the Chief Imam, Malam Abubakar Lawan Goron-Maje, and a major benefactor of the mosque, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba.
A statement signed by the Press Secretary, Musa Tanko Muhammad quoted the SSG, appealing to both parties to maintain decorum and embrace the Islamic values of peace and respect as the committee carries out its assignment. According to him, conflicts are natural in society but can lead to deeper understanding when properly managed. He assured that members of the committee were carefully selected to ensure fairness and integrity.
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Auwal. Other members include the Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Cooperatives, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, who also serves as Secretary of the Shura Council; the Executive Chairman of Dala Local Government, Hon. Surajo Ibrahim Imam; and Chairman of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Maihula. A representative of the Council of Ulama and the Director of Political Affairs in the Cabinet Office, Alhaji Aminu Baba Tafida, are also members.
The secretariat is headed by Muhammad Yusuf, Under Secretary in the Office of the SSG, with Isah Yakubu Karaye, Principal Assistant Secretary, serving as co-secretary.
The committee has four weeks to invite the feuding parties, examine the circumstances surrounding the dispute, assess internal and external influences, facilitate dialogue, and recommend practical solutions for lasting peace.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Auwal, thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in them and prayed for Allah’s guidance in executing the assignment.