By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has defiantly stood by his recent endorsement of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, declaring that he has no regrets despite the controversy and widespread backlash triggered by his remarks.
Newstracktoday reports that Jingir made the position clear in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored by newsmen on Wednesday.
He insisted that his comments were driven by his religious convictions and understanding of his responsibilities as a Muslim, not by political interests.
The cleric rejected claims that his endorsement was politically motivated, maintaining that he was simply expressing a position grounded in his interpretation of Islam and his obligations as a follower of the faith.
He stressed that he would not be pressured into withdrawing or apologising for his position, despite criticism from those who have taken issue with his remarks.
His earlier declaration had attracted criticism, with much of the reaction focused on the wording and manner in which he expressed his position, rather than necessarily on the principle of supporting a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
However, Jingir maintained that he would continue to support and encourage Muslims to back such an arrangement regardless of the criticism.
“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say would not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he said.
The cleric made the remarks during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he declared his support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket and urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would demonstrate their numerical strength.
Jingir said his decision to support the arrangement followed President Bola Tinubu’s emergence with a Muslim running mate.
Jingir further maintained that, as a Muslim cleric and preacher, he had every right to advocate a political arrangement that aligns with his religious convictions, insisting that his position should not be interpreted as a politically motivated intervention.
The cleric also challenged claims that Christians or other religious groups outnumber Muslims in Nigeria, questioning the basis of assertions about the country’s religious demographics.
His remarks have continued to fuel public debate, with critics condemning what they described as the tone and manner of his declaration, while his supporters have defended his right to express his religious and political views.
Despite the backlash, Jingir remained unapologetic, saying the criticism would not deter him from urging Muslims to support and rally behind a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He maintained that he would continue to speak openly in favour of the arrangement, regardless of opposition or controversy surrounding his position.
Source: Sun
