Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has formally requested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Sultan of Sokoto publicly rebuke Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir. This plea follows controversial remarks attributed to the Sheikh regarding Christians and the Christian faith, which Fani-Kayode fears could incite severe national instability.
In a detailed statement, Fani-Kayode expressed alarm over the cleric’s refusal to walk back comments made during a public gathering. He noted that these sentiments have caused significant unrest among citizens of both faiths. While praising the Sultan’s recent efforts to promote interfaith harmony, Fani-Kayode emphasized that inflammatory rhetoric undermines the country’s delicate peace. He clarified that his stance is not born of hostility toward Islam, but rather a firm belief in equal respect for all citizens regardless of their religious identity.
The former minister also addressed the 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, noting that his past support for the ticket was based on competence, not an acceptance of religious subordination. He argued that the Sheikh’s comments have ultimately harmed the political cause they were intended to defend by alienating large portions of the population. Fani-Kayode additionally highlighted objections raised by the former Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo, who criticized Jingir’s words and reminded the public of traditional Islamic teachings that emphasize peace and respect for Christian neighbors.
Fani-Kayode concluded by warning that Nigeria cannot withstand further sectarian friction. He called on national leadership to prioritize the preservation of unity over partisan politics, urging citizens to reject voices that seek to divide the nation through religious bigotry.
