Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has rejected claims that he is hostile towards Christians, describing the allegations as “mere lies” and saying his recent comments were misunderstood.
The Islamic cleric faced criticism following remarks he made at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, with some Nigerians accusing him of making statements capable of deepening religious divisions.
However, speaking yesterday at a one-day national symposium in Jos themed, “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” Jingir said his comments were never intended to promote hatred against Christians or other non-Muslims.
He said: “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.”
Jingir further stated that Islam promotes fairness and justice towards everyone, regardless of their religious background. He stressed that Muslims would be held accountable for any injustice committed against non-Muslims.
The cleric also pointed to the example of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), saying he lived peacefully alongside people of different faiths, and urged Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders to govern with fairness and justice, regardless of the ethnic, religious or political affiliations of the people under their leadership.
“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,” he said.
Jingir maintained that every Nigerian has the right to freely choose and support any candidate of their choice during elections.
“Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election,” he said.
The JIBWIS chairman also appealed to Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and togetherness, stressing that sustainable development would remain difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of insecurity and division.
“Without peace, there will be no development,” he added, urging Nigerians to work towards strengthening peaceful coexistence among the country’s various ethnic and religious communities.