‘Nigeria not for Muslims alone’, TEKAN/ECWA youths tackle Jingir

The Youth Wing of the TEKAN/ECWA Fellowship has strongly condemned a statement attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, describing his remarks as divisive and a potential catalyst for heightened religious tensions in Nigeria. In a press conference in Jalingo, the National TEKAN/ECWA Youth President, Bako Adashu Elijah, asserted that Nigeria is a pluralistic nation where all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations, have equal belonging.

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We are deeply shocked, disappointed and outraged by the reckless, divisive and utterly unacceptable statement made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir.

Elijah expressed deep shock and outrage over Jingir's statement, labeling it as reckless, divisive, and unacceptable religious bigotry. He criticized the cleric's leadership as dangerous and capable of inflaming an already fragile national environment. The youth leader also voiced concern over the reaction of public figures present at the event, noting that some appeared to applaud the cleric's remarks instead of condemning them. He questioned the role of public office holders who remain silent in the face of religious bigotry, suggesting it justifies public suspicion that some in authority may be fueling religious intolerance.

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This is not responsible religious leadership; it is dangerous religious bigotry capable of inflaming an already fragile national environment.

Recalling the 2023 general elections, Elijah highlighted that millions of Nigerian Christians supported the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket, believing it would foster national development. He reiterated that no religious group holds exclusive ownership of Nigeria, stating, "Our message is simple: Nigeria does not belong to Muslims alone, and Nigeria does not belong to Christians alone. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians." He affirmed every citizen's constitutional right to practice their faith, support political parties, and participate in national affairs, but cautioned that religious freedom should not be exploited to insult, demonize, or mobilize citizens against each other.

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What is even more disturbing is the apparent excitement and applause that accompanied this divisive rhetoric, including the presence of prominent public officials.

The group also voiced concern over the perceived silence of the Federal Government and security agencies regarding the alleged remarks. They warned against allowing inflammatory rhetoric to escalate unchecked. Elijah called for Sheikh Jingir to publicly retract his statement and apologize. He urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident. The TEKAN/ECWA youths warned that if authorities fail to act, they would resort to constitutional, democratic, and legitimate civic measures to demand accountability and oppose the weaponization of religion in politics. The fellowship reiterated its commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

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When public office holders sit comfortably in the presence of religious bigotry without condemning it, Nigerians are justified in asking whether some people in authority are fueling religious intolerance.