A prominent Islamic cleric in Borno State has thrown his weight behind Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s recent directive banning the sale and consumption of alcohol in parts of the state, describing the move as timely and in line with Islamic values. He also called on the state’s Hisbah Board to step up enforcement efforts to ensure full compliance.
Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Saturday, Sheikh Goni Bukar, a respected religious scholar, praised the governor for taking what he termed a “bold and morally upright decision” to cleanse the society of practices deemed harmful to public order and religious sensibilities in the majority-Muslim state.
“Governor Zulum has shown leadership grounded in the values and identity of our people. The consumption and open sale of alcohol in a place like Borno, where the majority of citizens are Muslims, is not only unacceptable but a deviation from our moral compass,” the cleric said.
He urged the Borno State Hisbah Board — the Islamic moral enforcement body — to increase surveillance, conduct routine raids on illegal alcohol outlets, and prosecute offenders in accordance with state laws and Islamic principles.
Zulum’s alcohol ban, announced earlier this month, affects key areas within Maiduguri metropolis and some Local Government Areas, especially those where previous incidents of social unrest have been linked to drug and alcohol abuse. The move, which has received mixed reactions, is part of broader efforts by the state government to promote moral values and curb youth delinquency.
While some civil society groups have called for caution and respect for constitutional rights in enforcing the ban, conservative segments of the population, including religious leaders and traditional rulers, have backed the governor’s stance, saying it aligns with the cultural and religious fabric of the state.
Sheikh Bukar also advised Muslim youths to abstain from intoxicants and instead embrace education, skill development, and spiritual discipline. “Islam is a religion of peace and order. Anything that undermines that — including alcohol and drug abuse — must be confronted head-on,” he said.
The Borno State Hisbah Board has reportedly begun stepping up its operations in line with the directive, with several outlets already shut down and contraband confiscated. Authorities have warned that defaulters will face the full weight of the law.
Governor Zulum, known for his strict approach to governance and strong grassroots following, has continued to receive commendation for policies aimed at restoring public order in Borno, a state long troubled by insurgency and social dislocation.
As enforcement continues, residents are being sensitized through community outreach programmes, with religious leaders playing a central role in advocacy and awareness.
