Defending the Bauchi State Government’s Support for Religious Leaders
The Bauchi State Government has responded to criticism from the state chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) over its decision to pay monthly allowances to Imams and Pastors, rejecting claims that the policy amounts to the politicisation of religion.
The PRP’s position, which circulated widely on social media, warned the government against what it described as the use of religious institutions for political purposes.
The state government, however, says the claims are misleading and do not reflect the intent or scope of the policy.
Officials say the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has consistently promoted religious tolerance and social harmony, values for which Bauchi State is widely known.
They argue that providing modest support to religious leaders should be seen as recognition of their role in society, rather than political inducement.
According to the government, Imams and pastors play a significant role in community life, including moral guidance, conflict resolution, youth mentorship, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
In many rural and urban communities, they often serve as the first point of mediation or counselling, particularly where government institutions are not immediately accessible.
The government also disputes the suggestion that such support is unusual or inappropriate, pointing to international examples where states provide structured assistance to faith leaders.
In Saudi Arabia, Imams and mosque officials are salaried by the state, while in Egypt, the Ministry of Awqaf pays Imams and oversees mosque activities as part of efforts to promote moderation.
Morocco also provides stipends to Imams under its religious harmony and counter-extremism strategy. In the United Kingdom, despite being a secular state, the Church of England is established by law, with its clergy supported through institutional frameworks linked to the state.
Similar arrangements exist in several African countries, including Senegal and Algeria, where governments recognize the stabilizing influence of religious leaders in society.
The Bauchi State Government says these examples show that support for faith leaders is not inherently political, but often a deliberate policy choice aimed at strengthening peace and national cohesion.
On concerns that the policy could divert attention from workers’ welfare, the government points to its record on pensions and gratuities.
It says Governor Bala Mohammed has approved and begun paying more than ₦13 billion in outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities inherited from previous administrations, a move it describes as evidence of its commitment to workers and retirees.
Officials add that governance involves balancing multiple responsibilities at once, including security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social cohesion.
In that context, they argue that supporting religious leaders forms part of a broader effort to maintain peace and moral order, which benefits society as a whole.
The government also stresses that the allowances are modest, discretionary, and inclusive, applying to both Muslim and Christian leaders.
It insists the policy does not undermine the secular nature of the state or favour one religion over another.
While acknowledging that criticism is a legitimate part of democratic debate, the government says it is unfair to portray a policy intended to strengthen social harmony as an attempt to politicize religion.
Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration maintains that the decision aligns with constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, global best practices, and long-standing communal traditions.
Bauchi State, it says, remains committed to peace, tolerance, and responsible governance, and policies that reinforce those values should be assessed on their merits rather than politicized.
