Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has placed a ban on the hoisting of banners and posters by politicians during the Eid Prayers and other Sallah festivities.
In his Sallah message contained in a statement by the commissioner for information, Malam Muhammad Garba, the governor noted that the act is causing serious distractions during prayers and making other Sallah festivities less attractive.
“While the two rakaat Eid Prayer is considered as an important ritual after a month long Ramadan fasting, festive activities that follow are aimed at showcasing our rich cultural heritage where even foreigners witness them.
It is therefore inappropriate or even disrespectful for persons or political parties to reduce such places to grounds for rallies or campaigns,” the statement added.
Ganduje said hoisting of posters when people of different political leanings converge on Sallah and festive grounds, particularly the traditional Hawan Daushe at the Emir’s Palace, makes it potentially prone to political violence.
He warned individuals not to encourage political rallies under any guise during the Eid celebrations in violation of the Electoral Act.
The statement also said that politicians in the state must stringently obey the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable of activities for the 2023 general elections.
The governor charged security agencies in the state not to hesitate to take appropriate measures against any deviant act capable of breaching the prevailing peace in the state.
Ganduje then admonished the Muslim Ummah to sustain the noble lessons learnt in the Holy month of Ramadan to outlive the period, which included patience, perseverance, piety, philanthropy and good neighbourliness.
He also felicitated with the Muslims on the auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, with a call on them to continue to pray for the state and the nation.
