CAN condemns Sheikh’s ‘infidel’ comment on Muslim-Muslim ticket

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned an Islamic cleric's use of the word "infidel" to describe Christians during a campaign for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. Rev. John Hayab, CAN chairman for the Northern States and Federal Capital Territory, called the term offensive and a potential catalyst for religious conflict.

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The man did not say it in his room; he said it in the presence of three governors, and they were all smiling. This is an action that should have been rebuked instantly.

Hayab highlighted that the cleric, Sheikh Sona Jingir, made the remark in the presence of three governors, who appeared to laugh along. He argued that such comments, made publicly and without immediate rebuke, demonstrate a concerning level of religious intolerance and attempts at dominance by the Muslim community. "The man did not say it in his room; he said it in the presence of three governors, and they were all smiling. This is an action that should have been rebuked instantly," Hayab stated.

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Someone has the audacity to call me or every Christian an ‘infidel.’ I wonder what he has been teaching his people all these years. You can see he has been teaching them hate and dislike for Christians.

The CAN chairman emphasized that the derogatory term "infidel" against Christians could incite hatred and violence. He asserted that while Christians have historically shown tolerance, such provocative statements are unacceptable. Hayab differentiated between supporting a Muslim candidate and the offensive language used, noting that a call to vote for "our Muslim brothers" would have been different.

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We have always been tolerant. We have gone through worse statements. We have to be moderate and careful in public spaces.

CAN urged the government to address inflammatory religious rhetoric, warning of its potential to harm national peace and unity. The association called for accountability for individuals like Jingir and another figure in Kano accused of anti-Christian sentiments. Meanwhile, another commentator, Prof. Ahmad Suleiman, condemned Jingir's statement as contrary to Islamic teachings but cautioned against generalizing the remarks to all Muslims.

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Honestly, if Jingir said, ‘Let’s vote for our Muslim brothers to show we are strong,’ it would have been different, but adding ‘infidel’ makes it offensive.