Katsina Times
The fifth Waziri of Katsina, Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga, has issued a strong warning to Islamic clerics in Nigeria, urging them to remain true spiritual leaders instead of becoming political actors or government contractors.
In an exclusive interview with Katsina Times at his residence on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, Prof. Lugga praised ongoing unity efforts among Muslim scholars but condemned their increasing involvement in government, saying it strips them of moral authority.
“Clerics must avoid joining government or taking government contracts. Otherwise, they cannot speak out against government failures,” he declared.
He criticised the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other major Islamic organisations, arguing that many of their leaders are government officials who can no longer challenge state excesses.
“As the world condemned Israel, with some countries even expelling its envoys, here in Nigeria our ministers were seen hosting the Israeli ambassador. Muslim organisations should have raised their voices, but they remained silent because of political ties,” Lugga lamented.
He further accused leaders of Izala and Darika movements of being too entangled in government patronage to address pressing community issues.
“It’s not about disrespecting rulers or clerics — we respect them. But once they accept government positions, they lose the independence to defend the people. This is the biggest danger facing Islam today,” he stressed.
Prof. Lugga urged Islamic scholars to reclaim their independence and speak for the people, warning that Islam will continue to suffer if religious leaders allow themselves to be compromised by politics.
