PRP Cautions Bauchi Govt Against ‘Politicising Religion’ Through Stipends

Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has cautioned the state government against what it described as politicisation of religion through the proposed payment of monthly allowances to religious clerics.

This followed an announcement by the state’s Head of Civil Service, Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar, that the Bauchi State Economic Council had approved the payment of monthly stipends to religious leaders in the state.

In a press release issued on Friday signed by the party’s state secretary, Hon. Wada Abdullahi, the PRP acknowledged the significant role religious leaders play in promoting peace, moral values and social harmony in society, but said government’s actions must remain within constitutional boundaries and reflect genuine development priorities.

The PRP urged the Bauchi State government to desist from politicising religion and instead focus on its constitutional responsibilities, including the provision of quality education, accessible healthcare, clean water and other essential social amenities, many of which it said remained inadequate across the state.

“It is disheartening to observe that the Bauchi State government appears to be engaging in political window dressing at a time when the state faces serious developmental challenges,” the statement said.

“Allocating public funds to pay allowances to religious leaders, an action that is neither statutory nor constitutionally mandated, diverts scarce resources from critical governance priorities,” the party added.

According to the party, public funds should be directed toward addressing infrastructural deficits in schools and hospitals and improving the living conditions of communities rather than funding what it termed non-essential expenditures.

The PRP warned that such misplaced priorities undermine good governance and risk politicising and commercialising religion, a development it said could threaten social cohesion and sustainable development in the state.