BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Amid accusations of deep-seated religious hostility against Christians in Nigeria, controversial Islamic Cleric and National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, has debunked claims that he is a hater of the Christian religion.
Describing the reports related to his recent public comments as “mere allegations” and misrepresentation of facts, Sheikh Jingir, who has been under intense public scrutiny, categorically denied any malice toward the Christian community in the country.
In an explosive and emotionally charged rebuttal against widespread allegations of religious intolerance, the prominent scholar addressed the brewing religious controversy and declared that his teachings have been grossly misrepresented by critics attempting to stoke sectarian tensions.
He fiercely defended his record, insisting that his past rhetoric has always advocated for peaceful coexistence rather than animosity and his remarks at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples were not meant to express dislike against Christians or non-Muslims.
According to Sheik Jingir, who has come under scathing criticism after his remarks, which some described as divisive along religious lines, “A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted. Leadership in Islam is not about cheating people of different faiths. Islam teaches us to share love with people of different faiths or sects”.
Addressing participants at a One-Day National Symposium with the theme “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Sunday, Sheik Jingir said his remarks were not meant to express hatred towards Christians.
He explained that Islam stresses that any Muslim who cheats a non-Muslim will be questioned on the Day of Judgement, adding that Prophet Muhammad SAW lived peacefully with non-Muslims because Islamic teachings place great emphasis on equity in leadership.
The cleric, who urged President Bola Tinubu, governors, and other leaders across all positions to be fair and just to all and sundry, irrespective of their ethno-religious background, said: “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to cheat non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I also call on you not to cheat those who are not in the same political party with you. You should lead with justice and fairness to all Nigerians.”
Further maintaining that every Nigerian has the right to freely choose and support a candidate of their choice during elections, Sheik Jingir said, “Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election”, even as he challenged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and togetherness, cautioning that without peace there would be no development.
In his remarks at the occasion, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, urged Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu to complete eight years in office, like his predecessor, saying this would ensure justice and fairness between the North and the South.
Senator Barau described political power rotation as a key element of national unity, adding: “Supporting Tinubu for a second term is not just about Tinubu. It’s about keeping faith with the North-South political understanding. To break it would be to break trust. This is justice and fairness. When there is trust and agreement between regions, we must honor it. Allowing the South to complete eight years after the North did the same will strengthen our democracy and promote equity.”
Organized by the National Headquarters of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) to enlighten members on the need to participate wisely in the upcoming general election, the symposium was graced by the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, and Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State among other dignitaries.
