The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has warned the state government against politicizing religion by paying monthly allowance to Imams and Pastors in the state.
In a statement signed on Friday by the State Secretary of the party, Hon. Wada Abdullahi, the PRP strongly condemned a recent announcement by the state’s Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, which revealed plans by the government to commence the payment of allowances to Imams and Pastors across the state.
The opposition party noted that though it appreciates and acknowledges the vital roles being played by religious leaders in the state in promoting string moral values, it is however against the state government using them as a yardstick to rate its performance, urging the Gov. Bala Mohammed-led administration to prioritize its constitutional responsibilities to citizens instead of engaging in frivolities.
“The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Bauchi State Chapter wishes to address the recent announcement by the State Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, regarding the government’s plan to commence the payment of allowances to Imams and Pastors across Bauchi State,” Abdullahi said in the statement.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the vital roles that religious leaders play in promoting peace, and moral values, we strongly urge the Bauchi State Government to desist from politicizing religion.
“It is imperative that the government prioritizes its constitutional responsibilities, which include providing quality education, accessible healthcare, clean water, and other essential social amenities that are fundamental to the well-being of our citizens—many of which are currently in short supply in Bauchi State.
“It is disheartening to observe that the Bauchi State Government appears to be engaging in political window dressing at a time when the state faces pressing developmental challenges. Allocating funds to pay allowances to religious leaders—an act that is neither statutory nor constitutionally mandated—diverts precious resources away from core governance priorities. Instead, public funds should be invested in addressing infrastructural deficits in our schools and hospitals, and in improving the living conditions of our communities.
“Such misplaced priorities undermine good governance and risk politicizing and mercantilizing religion, thereby threatening social cohesion and sustainable development. If those advising the government cannot counsel against such unproductive expenditures, then the moral conscience and sense of responsibility bestowed by God should serve as guiding principles for all leaders.
“Furthermore, it is evident that this move is driven by political motives, especially as Nigeria approaches an election cycle with just a year remaining. The attempt to garner political favour and conceal governance failures through the distribution of “allowances” to religious clerics is both inappropriate and unjustifiable.
“We call on the people of Bauchi State to remain vigilant and reject any government or political party that seeks to buy support through such insubstantial and unsustainable incentives.
“These payments do not translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens and should not be weaponized as tools for influence or manipulation. It is unjust to misgovern for seven years and expect to win support just a year before elections by offering “peanuts” in allowances to religious clerics.
“The PRP cautions the Bauchi State Government against using public resources as a tool for electoral gain. Public funds are meant to serve the welfare of all citizens, not short-term political interests or acts of appeasement aimed at religious figures.
“We call on the Bauchi State Government to redirect its focus toward genuine development initiatives that will uplift the lives of ordinary citizens. Let us refrain from politicizing religion and misusing public resources. Our collective effort should be directed toward building a just, equitable, and prosperous Bauchi State for all,” the party said.
The post Stop politicizing religion with payments of allowance to Imams, Pastors – Bauchi PRP warns state govt appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
