Sheikh Abduljabbar’s lawyer, Barrister Rabiu Shuaibu Abdullahi, has raised concern over the safety of his client given the continuous “unpleasant, dangerous” utterances and actions of the state governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Speaking with Daily Trust, Rabiu said, ” My client did not see any threat from anybody here in Kano except that from the government who sent security men to guard him.”
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“It’s like you are asking me if we are considering security of his life with what is happening in Kano? If he is allowed to exercise his right of movement, will he be safe? Go and listen to the meeting between the Governor and the Friday Imams penultimate Thursday, he was giving them directives of what he wants them to go and say in their sermons. He even used the words that the Imam should not pity. He was instigating Imams to go and preach against him and now sending security men to guard and give safety to his life.
“Will you accept it? We heard him, he descended him to the arena. He is a party too. How will your prosecutor protect you? This is why we don’t see any threat from the public rather we see the threat from the government. Because our Governors utterances are very scary,” he added.
Asked if he sees the governor’s action as a retaliation given Abduljabbar’s comment that the governor is angry because he didn’t support his 2019 election, Barrister Rabiu said, ” Why didn’t he take it that time? Why now? Is it a political issue? This is purely religious issue. Can you hide under Ulama’s to take a revenge of what happened during election? He is not supposed to do that. Leaders are leaders because they have big hearts above their subjects. Does he have time to take a revenge? ” he queried.
On some people saying the government’s decision is long overdue and even late because the Sheikh has been known for his controversial preaching, Rabiu said, ” That’s is their view but the public should be allowed. Have you ever heard Sheikh Abduljabbar on radio or television station? He doesn’t take his preaching to public radio stations or televisions. It is through social media. It is you that will buy your data and log into the site voluntarily. Why would you log onto the site, listen to him and complain? It is restricted to those willing not to the public”
Abduljabbar eagerly waiting for debate
He said, his client is very eager and looking forward to the proposed debate to set the truth for all to see.
“Yeah, my client is very eager for this dialogue. Because I went to my client two days ago on the dialogue issue. He said he is waiting for the dialogue and wish it comes soon because he is very ready” .
“Because it is with this dialogue that my client will enlighten the public of what is happening, his intentions, interpretation and understanding of Islam.
“Without dialogue, justice will never be done and people will not understand what is happening. Without this dialogue, people will be deceived. They are already being deceived. And some minorities are deceiving public and want to continue. That is why they don’t want this dialogue to take place because definitely something will come out of this dialogue. That is why our client is very eager to conduct this dialogue with these Ulama’s” he added
