How Imam was suspended after leading us in prayer – Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused some state governors and other political office holders of intimidating and victimising individuals who associate with him, alleging that an Imam was suspended for leading a congregational prayer he attended.

Atiku made the allegation on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, as part of his ongoing political engagements in Bauchi State.

The former vice-president, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said his visit to the palace was to demonstrate respect for traditional institutions and acknowledge their enduring importance in Northern Nigeria.

Describing Bauchi as his home, Atiku said he considered it necessary to pay homage to the traditional ruler.

“Your Royal Highness, for me, this is my home. I came to the palace to pay my respect and honor to our royal father.”

He questioned why politicians who leave public office often return to traditional institutions to receive chieftaincy titles, arguing that the practice underscores the significance of traditional rulers in the country’s cultural and political history.

“I want to ask a question: Why do politicians return to traditional institutions to seek titles after leaving public office? Whether you are a president, governor, senator or minister, once you finish your tenure, you return to the palace to receive a traditional title because this is our root and our future.

“We really appreciate this opportunity to visit and pay our respect to Your Highness in Bauchi,” he said.

Atiku also praised Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for allowing him access to the traditional institution, contrasting the governor’s hospitality with what he described as restrictions imposed on him in other states.

“I want to specially thank the Governor of Bauchi State for his hospitality to us because, in many places we visit, they do not allow us to see the traditional rulers. They do not allow us to pay our respects to them; instead, they block us.

“The ugly trend has reached a point where an imam at a mosque where I prayed was suspended by the governor. This prompted me to ask: In the history of Northern Nigeria, I know that an imam is under the authority of the paramount traditional ruler, the Emir, and not the governor, because a governor will complete his tenure and leave office, while the Emir remains in his position.

“Because of the growing lack of respect for traditional institutions, disregard for due process and abuse of established procedures, politicians are now encroaching on the jurisdiction of the Emir. I swear to God this will not happen under my watch.

“Even the colonial masters, when they came, met our traditional rulers leading our scholars, clerics and other traditional institutions.

“I want to assure Your Royal Highness that we have no intention of changing the history of our people. I pray Allah to give us the opportunity and the will to do what is right.”

The ADC presidential hopeful’s remarks centred on the relationship between elected political authorities and traditional institutions, particularly the authority of emirs over religious and cultural affairs.

He maintained that traditional rulers should be accorded the respect due to their positions, warning against what he described as political interference in established traditional structures.