Nigeria belongs to all, Christians are not infidels, El-Buba slams Jingir

Prophet Isa El-Buba, General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries, has strongly criticized Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir for remarks that reportedly labeled Christians as "infidels" and endorsed a Muslim-Muslim political ticket. El-Buba expressed deep concern over Jingir's statements, which circulated on social media, arguing that such divisive language exacerbates religious tensions in northern Nigeria, a region already grappling with severe insecurity, poverty, banditry, and displacement.

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I’m coming to every Nigerian with a very serious, heavy heart, because I thought that at this stage of our lives, especially when we’re getting older, we should begin to think about Nigeria and how we can all live together in peace.

Speaking with a "very serious, heavy heart," El-Buba emphasized the need for religious leaders to foster peaceful coexistence. He highlighted his own efforts to support thousands of Muslims in northern Nigeria, irrespective of personal relationships, as an example of interfaith solidarity. "As of today, I have supported over 10,000 Muslims across northern Nigeria," he stated, underscoring his commitment to practical support over divisive rhetoric.

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As of today, I have supported over 10,000 Muslims across northern Nigeria. They have no relationship with me at all, whether it is the school of their children, whether it is their housekeeping, it is home issues and all of that.

El-Buba questioned the implications of Jingir's comments, particularly the use of the term "infidels" for Christians. He posed a rhetorical question: "If Christians should do this, who is going to have a country?" The cleric challenged northern leaders to shift their focus from inflammatory statements to addressing the region's pressing socio-economic and security crises, including poverty and banditry. "Northern Nigerian Muslims with the highest capital poverty of the world. Are you not ashamed?" he asked, urging leaders to preach messages that liberate people from bondage.

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Somebody is standing there in your meeting shouting Muslim, calling Christians infidels. And I’m going to go take this. If Christians should do this, who is going to have a country?

He accused Jingir of making "stupid statements" that incite against Christians. El-Buba called on religious leaders to use their influence constructively, guiding communities toward overcoming insecurity and poverty rather than deepening divisions. The cleric's remarks come amid a backdrop of heightened religious sensitivities and ongoing security challenges in Nigeria.

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Northern Nigerian Muslims with the highest capital poverty of the world. Are you not ashamed? Are you not ashamed that banditry is here in the north? Criminality is here in the north. It is here in the north you have the highest level of drug addicts.