Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga, the Fifth Wazirin Katsina, has strongly criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for opposing school holidays granted by some state governors during Ramadan. He described CAN’s stance as unnecessary provocation over a matter that has been peacefully accepted for over a century.
"The Christian Association of Nigeria has made a mistake by reviving a matter that has been settled for 103 years. I commend the governors who have shown empathy to their people by granting this break, and I urge other governors in Muslim-majority states to follow suit," Prof. Lugga stated in an exclusive interview with Katsina Times.
Providing historical context, Prof. Lugga explained that the concept of public holidays in Nigeria was introduced by British colonialists. He emphasized that the term holiday originally derived from holy day, which was rebranded to obscure its religious significance.
"The British colonialists brought the term 'holiday' from 'holy day' to make it appear secular. Before their arrival, Muslim societies in Nigeria had thrived for over 1,000 years without institutionalized rest days. Even when the British established Katsina College in 1921, Sunday was not initially a public holiday for all; it was only granted to seven teachers. Other staff and students, including notable figures like Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa, were told Sunday was merely a day for laundry and personal hygiene," he explained.
He further recalled that during British rule and Nigeria’s First Republic, Saturdays were full working days, and it was only after six years of military rule under General Yakubu Gowon that Saturday was recognized as a public holiday in 1972. According to Prof. Lugga, this decision was influenced by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a small Christian denomination that successfully lobbied for Saturday as a non-working day.
Reacting to CAN’s threat of legal action against Ramadan holidays, Prof. Lugga argued that such a move could backfire.
"I urge Muslims to remain calm. The Prophet (PBUH) advised patience in the face of provocation during fasting. However, if CAN insists on taking this matter to court, we will also demand the cancellation of the 104 Christian-related holidays observed annually—52 Sundays and 52 Saturdays—or insist on equal Muslim holidays," he stated.
He called on the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, to take up the challenge and, if necessary, bring the case to court.
"If CAN backs down, fine. But if they proceed, we must also go to court to claim our rights. Justice demands fairness, and if Christian holidays are protected, Muslim holidays must be equally recognized," Prof. Lugga declared.
In conclusion, he expressed hope that the matter would be resolved amicably, either through dialogue or judicial intervention.
"I pray for a peaceful resolution, but if necessary, let the courts decide," he said.
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