The Executive Chairman of Okene Local Government, Engr. Abdulrazaq Muhammad has debunked insinuations that his administration ordered the arrest of some citizens in the area over lingering imamship tussle.
Abdulrazaq made this known in Okene on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting to brief the people on the ongoing scenario.
He solicited the support of the people to sustain peace in the council.
In the wake of security threats in Okene local government, military arrests, accusations and counter accusations on bias culminating into tension and anxiety among residents of the area,
The council boss took the public on a little memory lane on the peaceful resolution of Imamship crisis at the central mosque first at the instance of late Alh. Idris King where the stakeholders resolved in favour of late Sheikh Musa Galadima as the Chief Imam and seriously frowned at those calling on him to step aside.
He explained that after the demise of the late Chief Imam, the state government made pronouncement that Sheikh Salihu Abere should step-in as Acting Chief Imam and his administration upheld and implemented the governor’s directive.
“At different times, I have had cause to mediate between Tijjanniya and Ansar groups over issues arising from the management of the central mosque.
“I had also directed Tijjanniya group to observe their Sunday Asr prayers at the old palace mosque. This was done to give free day to Sheikh Lukman’s weekly lecture and of course prevent any possible crisis.
“The ongoing arrests of some persons are normal military operation especially after soldiers lost two of their men in an ambush by unknown gunmen in Okene on 23rd December, 2020. My duty is to ensure no innocent person suffered unjustly as a result of the attack but could not in any way halt military investigation,” he said.
He further explained to his audience of a petition against his person by Sheikh Lukman Abdullahi which was copied to all security agencies, clans in Okene local government and other organisations alleging that he had pitch tent with Tijjanniya group and out to annihilate his ‘Ansar’ group from Ebiraland.
“I wish to state categorically that I have no hand in whatever ordeal by members of Sheikh Lukman’s group and the allegations against me were false and should be discarded.”
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ohi of Okengwe/Okene, President of Ebira Supreme Council of Elders, Engr. Sule Aliyu, former Council Chairman, Alh. Nasiru Soso, veteran politician and businessman, Alh. Abubakar Umar, President of Agada and Okovi clans, leadership of Adehi group, traditional rulers, ward heads, community leaders, leadership of market women and youth organisations took turn to eulogise the leadership qualities of Engr. Abdulrazaq Muhammad and his peaceful disposition ever since he became Council Chief Security Officer.
The stakeholders resolved to rally round the Chairman in his quest to maintain peace and order in the council.
They also resolved to continue to pray for the peaceful coexistence of Anebira irrespective of clannish, political and religious belief.
