The Kano state government has insisted that the annual National Tijjaniyya Maulud programme scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, will be held regardless of the counter order issued by the police.

Addressing journalists on Friday evening at the emir’s palace, the Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya, explained that the government is fully aware of and supports the annual religious activities taking place at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

The police headquarters in Kano ordered that the venue of the event should remain under lock and that restrictions on human activities be maintained until further notice, The Guardian reliably gathered.

Reacting to the police order, the Commissioner for Information declared that the security blockade of the venue designated for the religious event was unacceptable and would be challenged.

Waiya stressed that the state government was not aware of any security threat and had no reason to anticipate any disruption, maintaining that no amount of intimidation would stop the event as scheduled.

READ ALSO: Kano govt re-certifies 2,000 C-of-Os

The commissioner said that any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering amounts to an encroachment on the citizens’ right of lawful assembly and a breach of their fundamental right to religious practice in Nigeria.

While urging participants from across the country attending the event to remain calm, Waiya urged the Federal Government to immediately withdraw its security agencies from the venue to allow the event to proceed without hindrance.

“It has, however, come to our attention with great concern that security agencies have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event. This action is not necessary, and it is unjust, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that would warrant such an extreme measure.

“The Kano State Government has not issued any complaints regarding insecurity, and we find the presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity unwarranted and unacceptable.

“I wish to categorically state that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as scheduled, tomorrow, Saturday, 25th January 2025, from 8:00 AM at Sani Abacha Stadium. This religious activity, which has been held for the last 39 years, shall not be obstructed,” Waiya added.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, were unsuccessful. He did not pick up his phone or reply to text messages.