JOS The leader of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has refuted claims that he is opposed to Christians, describing the allegations as untrue and maintaining that his earlier statement was wrongly interpreted.
The cleric attracted attention after remarks delivered at a mass marriage programme sponsored by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples sparked reactions from members of the public, with some accusing him of making comments capable of deepening religious differences.
Addressing participants at a one-day national symposium in Jos, Jingir sought to explain his position, saying his comments were never intended to denigrate Christians or encourage unfair treatment of people belonging to other religions.
The gathering, which centred on the theme, “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” examined issues surrounding inclusive governance, equal treatment and peaceful relations among Nigerians.
Jingir stated that the interpretation of his earlier remarks had created a false impression about his attitude towards Christians. He explained that Islamic principles encourage Muslims to treat people of different religious backgrounds with dignity, kindness and respect.
He argued that anyone entrusted with leadership responsibilities should operate according to principles of justice and equity, irrespective of the faith of those under their authority.
The JIBWIS chairman added that Islamic teachings place responsibility on Muslims to avoid wrongdoing against people who do not share their religion. He consequently appealed to religious figures and public officials to promote understanding and peaceful interaction between Nigeria’s various communities.
He cited the conduct of Prophet Muhammad as an example of peaceful relations between people of different beliefs, urging Nigerians to embrace tolerance and respect despite their religious differences.
Jingir also directed a message to President Bola Tinubu, state governors and other public officials, asking them to ensure that their decisions benefit citizens equally and are not influenced by religious, ethnic or partisan considerations.
He urged government leaders to avoid treating citizens differently because of their faith, stressing that both Christians and Muslims deserve equal protection and consideration.
The cleric further cautioned politicians against denying opportunities or privileges to citizens simply because they belong to rival political parties. According to him, leadership should be based on fairness rather than partisan loyalty.
He also affirmed the right of every Nigerian to independently determine which political candidate to support during elections. Citizens, he said, should be able to make their choices without coercion, harassment or discrimination.
Jingir emphasised that national advancement would remain difficult without stability and security. He warned that persistent conflict, religious suspicion and ethnic divisions could undermine efforts to improve the country’s social and economic conditions.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians to strengthen bonds across religious and ethnic lines, insisting that peaceful coexistence remains essential to national progress.
The Islamic leader noted that Nigeria’s diversity should not become a source of confrontation but should instead provide an opportunity for citizens to learn from one another and work collectively towards national development.
His comments come amid renewed discussions about religious relations, political participation and equal treatment as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
Jingir urged Nigerians, political leaders and religious authorities to reject inflammatory rhetoric and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.
He maintained that a society built on justice, tolerance and equal treatment would be better positioned to achieve lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.
