Hussaini Isma’il, Special Adviser to Governor Ogbu Kefas of Taraba State on Muslim Religion Matters, has said that the Muslim community in the state welcomes any demolition aimed at promoting the development and welfare of Muslim in Takum LGA of the state and beyond.
Isma’il was reacting to a statement by the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), an umbrella body for the Kuteb ethnic nationality in the state.
The KYN, had in the statemment issued on Sunday in Jalingo kicked against alleged plans to demolish the old Palace of the Ukwe Takum (their Paramount ruler) and the Central Mosque, also in Takum, to pave way for the construction of a private university by Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), a former Defence Minister.
The KYN had warned of the implications of the demolition of the palace and the Central Mosque and advised the state government not to toy with such idea in the interest of peace.
However, in a statement on Monday in Jalingo, Isma’il said the initiative
is a welcome development, stressing that “any demolition that occurs is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of Muslims in Takum and beyond.
He called on all Muslims across Nigeria, especially in Taraba and Takum LGA, to disregard any baseless rumours.
Isma’il urged the KYN not to exploit the situation for its own agenda as it could distract the Muslim community in Takum.
The statement reads: “I want to address the concerns raised by the KYN regarding the demolition of the central mosque in Takum Local Government.
“As the Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Muslim Matters, I want to emphasize the strong understanding between the Muslim community in Takum and the Taraba State Government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas
“His commitment to unity and progress in our state is unwavering.
” I want to clarify that any demolition that occurs is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Takum and beyond.
“This initiative has been welcomed by our community.
“I urge the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) not to exploit this situation for their own agendas, as it could distract our Muslim community in Takum.
“To all Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria, especially in Taraba and Takum LGA, I encourage you to disregard any baseless rumours. “Trust that Governor Kefas’ administration is dedicated to supporting the Muslim community here and throughout the state.
“I also ask the good people of Taraba to continue their support and prayers for Governor Agbu Kefas as he works tirelessly to build a better Taraba for all of us.”
