Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Chairman of Izalatil Bid'a Wa'ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), has denied allegations that he harbours hostility towards Christians, insisting his earlier comments were taken out of context. Speaking at a One-Day National Symposium in Jos, themed "Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria," the cleric directly addressed the backlash from his remarks at a Kano State mass wedding ceremony for 1,500 couples.
Backlash Over Kano Mass Wedding Remarks
The controversy began when Jingir spoke at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State government for 1,500 couples. Some Nigerians interpreted his comments as divisive along religious lines, triggering widespread criticism of the Islamic scholar. The criticism prompted Jingir to respond publicly during the Jos symposium, where he labelled the accusations as lies.
"A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn't say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted," Jingir said.
Islam and Interfaith Relations
Jingir elaborated that Islam does not permit mistreatment of people based on their faith. He argued that Muslims would be held accountable before God for any injustice committed against non-Muslims. He referenced the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a model of peaceful relations with people of other religions, underscoring the importance of coexistence in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.
The cleric also called on Nigerians across all ethnic and religious groups to prioritise unity. He warned that development could not take root in a country divided by insecurity and discord, stating, "Without peace, there will be no development."
Call on Tinubu and State Governors
Beyond addressing the controversy, Jingir used the symposium to appeal directly to Nigeria's political leadership. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to govern with impartiality, regardless of the religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds of their constituents.
"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 added that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support and vote for any candidate of their choice during elections. He stressed that political leaders must respect this freedom rather than use governance to reward loyalty or punish opposition.
Previous Endorsement of Tinubu for 2027
The symposium comes amid ongoing political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections. Previously, Legit.ng reported that more than 500 Islamic scholars, preachers, and clerics from across Nigeria endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office. That endorsement followed a closed-door meeting held in Jigawa state, where the clerics met with six northern governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Ibrahim Masari, who serves as President Tinubu's Special Adviser on Political Matters.
Jingir's remarks at the Jos symposium reflect his broader stance on unity and justice, as he continues to navigate the intersection of religious leadership and national politics in Nigeria.
