Zamfara not Las Vegas – Islamic group slams Gov over alcohol display, indecent dressing during anniversary

Some of the activities taking place at the second-term anniversary of the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal have been condemned by an Islamic organisation operating in the state.

The Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum (ZUDF) condemned in strong terms, the display of alcoholic drinks and indecent dressing at the event organiser to mark the end of the Governor’s second year in office.

In a statement issued on Friday, Bashir Marafa, ZUDF’s president expressed concern over “the introduction of vices” into the state.

Stating that Zamfara is known for its commitment to Islamic law and traditional values, Marafa condemned the performances exhibited by skimpily dressed female dancers among many others at the occasion.

“Zamfara is not Las Vegas. It is a land of honour, a land of religious discipline. For these kinds of immoral scenes to be playing out in broad daylight under the watch of our leaders is a disgrace,” Marafa, an Islamic cleric said.

According to Marafa, the open display and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event is unacceptable.

He added that such display sends the wrong information to the children of Zamfara and the next generation in the name of slcekrbration.

The cleric further commended members of the public who raised an alarm over such behaviour by the government of the day.

He said that the group cannot remain silent and watch “Zamfara turn into a hub of entertainment and sin.

He also urged stakeholders in the state including lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders as well as community-based organisations to demand accountability from the governor and his team for allowing such a level of indecency at the event.

“Leadership must be guided by wisdom and humility. The optics of that event were poor and have sparked dismay across the Muslim community not just in Zamfara, but across the north,” Marafa added.