Six Reasons Muslim Groups in Taraba Want Gov Kefas’ Aide on Muslim Affairs Sack

  A coalition of prominent Islamic organizations in Taraba State has formally called on Governor Agbu Kefas to relieve his Special Adviser on Muslim Affairs, Alhaji Hussaini Isma'il, of his duties, citing multiple allegations of misrepresentation, incompetence, and actions considered divisive within the Muslim community.

 

In a strongly-worded petition addressed to the Governor and copied to key religious and government stakeholders, the groups accused Alhaji Hussaini of lacking credibility, Islamic scholarship, and affiliation with any recognized religious body, thereby making him unfit to hold such a sensitive advisory role.

 

The petition, signed by 17 influential Islamic bodies including the Jama'atul Nasrul Islam (JNI), Jama'atul Izalatul Bidia Wa'ikamatus Sunnah, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), and Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), outlined six key grievances against the adviser.

 

"Alhaji Hussaini Isma'il is not known to be a respected scholar or leader within the mainstream Muslim community in Taraba State. His lack of requisite Islamic knowledge credentials and affiliation with any credible Islamic organization raises legitimate concerns," the petition stated.

 

The coalition said that rather than being a bridge between the Muslim community and government, Hussaini has acted more as a political spokesperson for the administration, often issuing statements that contradict government policy and misrepresent the Muslim constituency.

 

One incident highlighted by the petition involved the Takum Central Mosque issue, where Hussaini's public comments reportedly contradicted the official position of the government, prompting an embarrassing clarification by the Commissioner for Information.

 

"This contradiction not only sowed confusion but necessitated a government clarification that embarrassed not only his office but also reflected poorly on the entire administration," the groups wrote.

 

The petition also accused Hussaini of undermining established Islamic institutions, usurping representational roles without consultation, and fostering disunity within the Muslim community in Taraba State.

 

They warned that religious discontent, if left unchecked, could spiral into broader communal unrest.

 

"His actions have regrettably alienated key stakeholders and weakened public trust in that office. Rather than promoting unity, he has caused division and marginalization," the petition reads.

 

While acknowledging Governor Kefas' constitutional right to appoint aides, the signatories urged him to emulate the inclusive approach seen in his appointment of a respected Christian clergyman as Special Adviser on Christian Affairs.

 

"We respectfully urge that you relieve Alhaji Hussaini Isma'il of this responsibility and initiate a consultative process toward appointing a credible, unifying, and institutionally accepted figure to serve in that capacity," they concluded.