By John Ovie
The Bayelsa State Council for Islamic Affairs has stated that the Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Affairs, Godspower Asingba allegedly attempted to use his official influence to impose a parallel leadership on the council in the state.
Chairman of the islamic council in Bayelsa state, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo made the allegation while speaking after a High Court sitting in Yenagoa affirmed his chairmanship and nullified an interim committee allegedly constituted with the influence of the S.A. on religious affairs.
Meanwhile, the accused A.S. is yet to respond to the allegation levelled against him as he was yet to replied a text message sent to him.
Otobo extended his olive branch to members of the council on the other side of the divide following the court judgement.
Speaking further, the chairman said in the next two years before the expiration of their tenure, they have resolved to work with every Muslim in the state irrespective of whichever side they supported prior to the court victory.
Also, the Chairman of the League of Imams, Bayelsa State, Imam Abusufyan Uche, said the decision was taken in the best interest of all Muslim faithful in the state to ensure that they work in unity and progress, declaring that the decision was total and all-encompassing.
The Chairman of the Muslim Youth Council, Bayelsa Chapter, Alhaji Mohammed Erefagha, the Da’awah chairman of the state, Alhaji Abdulmumin Umar Idris, and Imam Taofeek Oganiolohun appreciated Almighty Allah for the victory from the court, which, according to them, has halted all disagreements to allow the Alhaji Otobo leadership to complete its tenure.
He also appealed to Governor Douye Diri to grant support for the approaching Salah celebration for onward distribution to Muslim faithful in the state.
Otobo added that the council has resolved to embark on two ambitious projects for the council in the state which include construction of the state Central Mosque and a befitting secretariat for the council.
