Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has clarified that he bears no ill will towards Christians.
He described allegations that he dislikes Christians as “mere lies” and a misinterpretation of his recent remarks.
Naija News reports that the Islamic cleric had come under heavy criticism following his support for the Muslim-Muslim tickets and his reference to Christians as infidels.
However, 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 explained that his remarks were not intended to express hatred towards Christians or non-Muslims.
He said: “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.”
Jingir further explained that Islam teaches fairness and justice to people irrespective of their religion, and warned Muslims that they would be held accountable if they harmed non-Muslims.
He added that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) lived peacefully with people of other faiths, urging Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence.
The cleric also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, and other political leaders to ensure fairness and justice in discharging their responsibilities, irrespective of religious affiliation.
“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 maintained that every Nigerian has the right to freely choose and support any candidate during elections.
“Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election,” he said.
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