The Katsina State Government has dismissed as “baseless and politically motivated” media reports alleging that it approved monthly stipends for Christian clerics in the state.
The rebuttal followed a Sahara Reporters publication claiming the government had turned to pastors for peace efforts and agreed to fund them. The report, attributed to a statement purportedly signed by Dr. Musa Daniel Danladi of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was described by the state as nothing more than fake news.
In a strongly worded statement issued Friday, August 15, by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, the government said no such policy, directive, or announcement had ever been made.
“There has never been any official statement from the Katsina State Government about paying stipends to Christian clerics. The claim appears to be politically motivated to cause confusion between government and Christian faithfuls,” the statement read.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda also weighed in, condemning misinformation that could stoke religious tension. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths.
“Our communities thrive when we choose peace, fact-based reporting, and cooperation rather than rumor-mongering,” the Governor stated.
The government urged the public to rely solely on official channels—the Governor’s Office, the Ministry of Information, and recognized platforms—for verified announcements, warning that misinformation undermines trust and risks inciting unnecessary conflict.
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