2023: Zoning Violates Democratic Tenets – JIBWIS Says 

…Says enemies of Nigeria planning to destabilize it 

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, ABUJA – The National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia WA iqamatussunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Muhammadu Sani Yahaya Jingir has declared that agitation for the zoning of the presidency is totally uncalled for as it violates the tenets of democracy.

Sheik Jingir, who stated this on Sunday in his message at the end of the international preaching session of JIBWIS which took place in Bauchi, called on politicians to jettison the idea of zoning saying that it is against democratic tenets and therefore unprogressive.

The Islamic cleric therefore advised that the 2023 presidential contest should be left open to every region of the country for the best candidate to emerge in order to give Nigerians the opportunity to elect the best choice among the candidates.

In the words of Jingir; “The Fundamental rights of all political parties to field candidates of their choices, and the right of voters to freely exercise choices over who leads them cannot be compromised.

“Our people should be allowed to exercise their rights according to the laws of the country and the electoral laws, otherwise it is undemocratic and unacceptable in a democratic dispensation”.

He advised Muslims to get their voters card to be able to vote for the best leader in 2023 general elections, adding that the process must be gotten right.

Speaking on the insecurity situation, Jingir said that the enemies of the country are planning to destabilize the country through banditry and drug abuse to encourage moral decadence among our youths which are threats to peace and stability of the nation.

He however advised leaders at all levels to avoid pushing the population into deeper poverty and desperation with challenging economic policies and a lack of empathy.

Jingir further said; “Government at all levels should consider a form of the structured welfare system to alleviate poverty in the populace”.

He stressed the importance of unity and worshipping Allah the Almighty as enshrined in the Holy Quran and Hadith which he said are the guide to human existence.

Jingir commended Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for building Mosques and other places of worship, urging him to continue to be fair to all citizens of the state irrespective of religious and political differences.

In his remarks at the occasion, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed urged scholars to always preach for peaceful coexistence and moral upbringing of the youths among the citizens.

The Governor assured that the State Government will continue to support religious groups in their bid to promote peaceful coexistence among the people adding that his administration will continue to deal with people based on their competence and qualifications but not on who or what faith they profess, stressing that all are created by one God.

On his part, Sheikh Salisu Sulaiman Ningi urged Muslims to live in peace and harmony with one another saying that the preaching was attended by scholars from within and outside the country especially Niger, Cameroon, Ghana and other neighboring countries.