Fani-Kayode Urges Sultan, Tinubu to Caution Cleric Over Anti-Christian Remarks

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has called upon the Sultan of Sokoto and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly address and caution Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir. Fani-Kayode is concerned about reported comments made by the Islamic cleric that he describes as inflammatory towards Christians and Christianity.

“

I have immense respect and deep affection for the Sultan of Sokoto, the leader of the Muslim community in Nigeria, who urged Christians and Muslims not to insult one another a few days ago at a security conference in Abuja.

In a statement titled "The Gospel According to Sheik Jingir," Fani-Kayode voiced deep disturbance over Jingir's alleged declaration of having "no regrets" for his statements. He noted that these remarks have sparked significant reactions and that even some Northern Muslim leaders share his apprehension.

Fani-Kayode praised the Sultan of Sokoto for his recent appeal to Christians and Muslims to refrain from insulting one another, calling it "fatherly counsel" that helped de-escalate tensions. He emphasized the importance of religious unity in Nigeria, asserting that both Christians and Muslims deserve equal respect and that religious differences should not be allowed to fracture the nation's unity.

“

I am a Nigerian Christian and I deserve to be respected for who and what I am just as every Nigerian Muslim deserves to be respected for who and what he is as well.

Addressing the 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, Fani-Kayode clarified that his support did not imply Christian subordination to Islam. He maintained that political choices should be based on competence, not religious affiliation, and that both faiths stand on equal footing. He condemned any remarks suggesting Christians are inferior or should leave the country if uncomfortable with a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“

Our belief is that these two great faiths are on an equal footing and that neither is superior to the other. We believe that religion is a matter of choice and that we have an obligation as Believers to respect one another and respect those choices.