Controversial Islamic cleric and National Chairman of the Izala Islamic Movement, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has come under intense criticism following an inciting sermon in which he declared that the Fulani people would never forgive the Igbo for the death of First Republic politician, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
In the viral video, recorded during his Friday sermon in Jos, Plateau State, Sheikh Jingir launched a tirade against a group of Islamic scholars, including Igbo Muslim cleric Sheikh Sambo Rigachukwu, for hosting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Jingir’s anger appeared to stem from Obi’s appearance in traditional Hausa attire during the meeting, prompting the cleric to declare, in Hausa:
“If those scholars are not insane, why would you dress someone from the tribe that killed our Sardauna in Hausa garments? We will never forgive the Igbo for that. Shame on you for receiving the killer of Sardauna!”
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and then-Premier of the Northern Region, was assassinated during the 1966 military coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu — a coup widely (but controversially) referred to as the “Igbo Coup” by some Northern elements.
The cleric’s remarks have been widely condemned across Nigeria, including by northern Muslims and Christian leaders who say his words could inflame ethnic and religious tensions, especially in the already volatile North-East and North-West.
Former Minister of Sports and Plateau State elder statesman, Solomon Dalung, joined the chorus of condemnation. In a post on his “Sunday Corner” Facebook series, Dalung said:
“The recent outburst by Sheikh Jingir concerning the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to Sheikh Sambo Rigachukwu is deeply unfortunate and must be condemned in all its ramifications.
He added that the cleric’s age and experience should promote unity rather than division, and called for urgent regulation of religious preaching in the country to prevent hate speech under the guise of religion.
“His continued use of dawah as a political weapon highlights the dangers of religious leaders encroaching into partisan politics. Religious platforms must not be used to propagate political bias, hatred, or division,” Dalung stated.
Social media platforms have been awash with angry reactions, with many Nigerians accusing Sheikh Jingir of fanning the flames of ethnic hatred:
“This is what politics have sadly turned our society into! Those who should be preaching unity are the ones promoting division. Sad indeed,” wrote Rawen Yaweh.
“Our religious leaders should be mindful with their utterances. If they cannot preach peace, they should keep quiet,” said Comrade Suleman Bunu.
“I am a follower of Sheikh Jingir, but honestly, I totally condemn his statement. Peter Obi is a Nigerian leader trying to unite people,” wrote Hassan Adamu.
Others branded the cleric a fanatic and accused him of hypocrisy over his past support for controversial political decisions, including the same-faith ticket.
At the time of this report, neither Peter Obi nor Sheikh Sambo Rigachukwu had publicly responded to Sheikh Jingir’s comments.