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Fani-Kayode faults cleric over 'divisive' Muslim-Muslim ticket remarks
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Fani-Kayode faults cleric over 'divisive' Muslim-Muslim ticket remarks

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode criticized remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir regarding a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
  • Fani-Kayode described the cleric's comments as divisive and warned of consequences for religious harmony and the ruling APC party.
  • He emphasized Nigeria's secular nature and called for focusing on competence over religious affiliation in political choices.

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, deeming them divisive and potentially harmful to Nigeria's religious harmony. The comments, reportedly made at an event in Kano, have raised concerns among both Christians and Muslims, according to Fani-Kayode.

We will not keep quiet and watch our faith being dragged all over the floor because of politics. Matters of faith and salvation are far more important than anything we see or get in this world.

— Femi Fani-KayodeFani-Kayode emphasized the primacy of faith over political interests.

Fani-Kayode criticized the reported reaction of the Kano State Governor, expressing sadness at the governor allegedly cheering the cleric's remarks. He asserted that matters of faith should not be compromised for political gain, warning that such divisive rhetoric could negatively impact the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly with the 2027 presidential election approaching.

"We will not keep quiet and watch our faith being dragged all over the floor because of politics. Matters of faith and salvation are far more important than anything we see or get in this world," Fani-Kayode stated. He stressed that Nigeria's religious diversity necessitates restraint and mutual respect, urging political parties to avoid alienating segments of the electorate.

The wealthy complain more than the low-income earners. I attribute this to this. Economic...

— Femi Fani-KayodeFani-Kayode criticized the Kano State Governor's alleged reaction to the cleric's remarks.

The former minister argued that Jingir's remarks could empower the opposition and hinder candidates seeking support from both Christian and Muslim voters. He clarified that Jingir does not represent the official APC stance or the views of most Nigerian Muslims. Fani-Kayode also rejected the notion of Nigeria as a Muslim country, reiterating its status as a secular, multi-religious state. He called for apologies and a focus on peace, civility, and reconciliation, urging the Department of State Services to caution the cleric against inflaming religious tensions.

The wealthy complain more than the low-income earners. I attribute this to this. Economic...

— Femi Fani-KayodeFani-Kayode urged Sheikh Jingir to apologize to Christians and the Church in Nigeria.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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