Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has denied claims that he harbours hatred for Christians, describing the allegations as false and a misinterpretation of his recent comments.
Jingir came under criticism after remarks he made at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples were interpreted by some Nigerians as divisive along religious lines.
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,”* the cleric said his comments were not directed against Christians or other 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,” he said.
Jingir said Islamic teachings required Muslims to treat people of other faiths with love, fairness and justice.
“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.
He added that Muslims would be held accountable for any injustice committed against non-Muslims, noting that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) lived peacefully with people of other faiths.
The JIBWIS chairman consequently urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders to ensure fairness in the discharge of their responsibilities, regardless of the ethnic, religious or political affiliations of those they govern.
“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 also defended the right of Nigerians to support and vote for candidates 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.
He urged Nigerians to promote peace, unity and national cohesion, stressing that meaningful development could not be achieved in an environment of insecurity and division.
“Without peace, there will be no development,” he said, calling on Nigerians to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
