Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who recently received flacks from Nigerians, over his comment that Muslims are more in numbers than Christians in the country, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that Christians are well treated in his government.
Sheik Jingir also urge the president to ensure fairness and justice for all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliations.
The cleric spoke in Jos at a one-day national symposium themed “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” where he dismissed allegations that he harbours hatred for Christians.
The cleric said recent comments he made at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples had been misunderstood and misrepresented by some Nigerians.
“I don’t hate Christians”
Addressing the controversy, Jingir said his remarks were never intended to portray Christians or other non-Muslims negatively.
“A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted,” he said.
According to him, Islamic teachings emphasise justice, compassion and peaceful coexistence, rather than discrimination against people of other faiths.
He maintained that Muslims would be held accountable for acts of injustice committed against non-Muslims, stressing that Prophet Muhammad lived peacefully with people of different religious backgrounds.
Jingir appealled to political leaders, urging them to rise above partisan, ethnic and religious considerations in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“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.
His message comes amid continuing debates over religious and political divisions in Nigeria, with the cleric insisting that governance must be anchored on fairness rather than the identity or political affiliation of citizens.
Jingir also defended the right of Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates during elections, stressing that political choice should remain a fundamental right.
“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 further called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding, warning that meaningful development would remain elusive in an atmosphere of insecurity and division.
“Without peace, there will be no development,” he said, urging Nigerians to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
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