The Kebbi State Ministry of Religious Affairs has denied accusations that the people of the state have not reaped the benefits of its creation, while warning Muslim clerics in the state to guard against irresponsible preaching.

While briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arc. Sani Aliyu, stated that the creation of the ministry stands out as a major achievement of religious governance by the incumbent administration of Comrade Nasir Idris.

He further stated that the people of Kebbi State had agitated for the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs for more than 30 years until the advent of the present government, which hearkened to their aspirations.

He added that the administration has established the Religious Preaching Board, the Zakkat and Endowment Board, and the Hisbah Board, noting that all the laws establishing these boards have been gazetted and are now fully functional.

Aliyu said it was therefore unfathomable for an individual, identified as Bashir Jega, to unjustifiably disparage such achievements by claiming that the government has not done anything to enable the people of Kebbi to enjoy the values of religion.

“We advise religious clerics to concentrate on inculcating spiritual virtues and knowledge into their followers and stay away from political inclinations.

“Any religious cleric interested in politics should shed the cloak of religion and enter the political arena to showcase himself.

“Our religious leaders must desist from inciting the people through false allegations and antagonism,” he said. (TRIBUNE)