Jos — Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has denied claims that he dislike Christians, saying his recent comments were misinterpreted.
The Islamic cleric came under criticism following comments he made at the a mass wedding ceremony organised by Kano State government for 1,500 couples, which some Nigerians described as divisive along religious lines.
Speaking at a One-Day National Symposium, with the theme: “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria”, held in Jos on Sunday, Jingir said his remarks were not intended to express hatred towards Christians or non-Muslims.
“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”, he said.
The Islamic cleric further explained that Islam teaches fairness and justice to people irrespective of their religious affiliation, stressing that Muslims would be accountable for any injustice committed against non-Muslims.
The cleric said that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) lives peacefully with people of other faiths, urging Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence.
Jingir also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors and other political leaders to ensure fairness and justice in the discharge of their responsibilities, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations of the people they governed as Nigerians head towards the 2027 general elections.
“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.
The cleric defended Nigerians’ right to support candidates of their choice during elections, saying: “Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election”
He urged Nigerians to promote peace and unity, warning that insecurity and division would undermine national development. “Without peace there will be no development”, he added.
Jingir had previously face backlash after reportedly urging Muslims to support Muslim candidates and describing Christians as “infidels”. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) subsequently condemned what it described as divisive remarks, while Christian and political groups also called for restraint.
-9News Nigeria
