Governor Bala Mohammed has banned an Islamic cleric, Abubakar Idris, for making a blasphemous statement against Prophet Mohammed.

The state government accused Mr Idris of violating the ethics of preaching in Bauchi.

This was disclosed by Ahmad Aliyu, the Commissioner of Religious Affairs Community Relations and Social Welfare, in a statement.

However, the statement disclosed that the cleric from Azare, Katagum local government area, castigated Prophet Muhammad’s “companions” in his sermon.

“The attention of the Bauchi State Government has been drawn to the manner of your preaching and sermons. The report revealed that you are castigating the companions of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while conducting your preaching,” stated the commissioner.

The statement explained further, “This attitude is a clear violation of the conduct and ethics of preaching that is capable of raising people’s tension and certainly leads to the violation of law and order which the government may not tolerate.”

“Consequently, you are suspended from conducting preaching and leading congregational prayers in any part of the state in the interest of peace.”

The government added, “You are advised to abide by this instruction in your own interest as the security agencies will ensure strict compliance.”

This statement came amidst calls for the resignation or sack of Isa Aliyu Pantami, the communications minister, who advocated the killing of non-Muslims, explicitly supporting terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram.

“We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed,” Mr Pantami said. “But the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason.”

He added, “Our zeal (hamasa) should not take precedence over our obedience to the sacred law.”