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NHRC Demands Arrest of Cleric Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Remarks
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NHRC Demands Arrest of Cleric Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Remarks

From Premium Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the arrest of Islamic cleric Sani Jingir.
  • The cleric made remarks supporting a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2023 and 2027 elections.
  • The NHRC cited hate speech and incitement as reasons for the call, deeming his statements divisive.

Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of prominent Islamic cleric Sani Jingir. The call stems from remarks the cleric made endorsing a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, a political arrangement that has drawn significant controversy.

I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam. I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again.

— Sani JingirThe cleric expressed his support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket during a mass wedding event.

NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu stated that Jingir's arrest would serve as a deterrent to others who might exploit religion for political gain. Ojukwu criticized the cleric's statements as insensitive, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. The commission views his utterances as hate speech and incitement to religious hatred, potentially leading to violence.

I know this statement pains the unbelievers. I am a Muslim who preaches Islam. If I say Muslim-Muslim, what have I taken away from them?

— Sani JingirJingir addressed those who might disagree with his religious and political stance.

Jingir made his remarks during a mass wedding ceremony sponsored by the Kano State Government, where he affirmed his support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket, mirroring his stance in the 2023 elections. Speaking in Hausa, he declared Nigeria a Muslim-majority country and urged Muslims to vote in large numbers to demonstrate their strength. He explicitly stated, "My vote is for Islam," and asked the audience if their votes were also for Muslims, to which they responded affirmatively.

So, here I am calling on you, please, everyone should get their votes ready. Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.

— Sani JingirThe cleric urged Muslims to prepare their voter's cards to demonstrate their numerical strength.

The NHRC condemned Jingir's statements as divisive, arguing they attack the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence enshrined in Nigeria's constitution. The commission emphasized the danger of such rhetoric during election periods, warning that inaction could embolden others to make similar divisive pronouncements along religious lines.

My vote is for Islam. What about the votes of Muslim people? It is for Muslims.

— Sani JingirJingir declared his voting intention and prompted the audience to confirm their allegiance.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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