Zamfara: Chief Imam steps down due to conflict between government and minister

Following a political dispute between Bello Mattawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Sheikh Tukur Sani Jangebe, the Chief Imam of the Muslim Foundation Mosque, GRA, Gusau, has resigned from his position.

The Chief Imam stated in a letter to the mosque’s management committee that he made the decision to step down in order to protect the community and the mosque.

Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to helping the mosque and the Islamic faith in the state grow and succeed.

“I write to formally inform you of my desire to resign as Chief Imam of the GRA Jumuat Mosque, effective from November 23, 2023,” he wrote in his resignation letter.

“Unfortunately, I have made this decision because I want the mosque to be safe, peaceful, and quiet.

“I sincerely value the chance to be a part of the Masjid (mosque) team, as it has enabled me to exercise leadership where it is most needed within my constraints.”

The Chief Imam’s resignation was closely linked to a video tape in which he was seen criticising Governor Lawal and applauding Matawale, the state’s previous governor.

The video clip gained widespread attention on social media and sparked debate and conflict among the state’s religious and political elites.

The problem grew more complex when Lawal reconstructed the mosque that Sheikh Tukur Sani Jangebe oversaw.

Because of the claimed underperformance of the previous government, the sheikh had resigned from his position as Commissioner of Religious Affairs in the administration of the former governor.