Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has said allegations that he dislikes Christians are “mere lies”.

Jingir came under heavy criticism after describing Christians in Nigeria as infidels, adding that Nigeria is a Muslim country.

The cleric made the statement at a mass wedding ceremony organised by Kano State government for 1,500 couples.

Addressing the backlash that trailed his speech, Jingir, speaking at a One-Day National Symposium, with the theme, “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” held in Jos, yesterday, said his remarks were not intended to express hatred towards Christians or non-Muslims.

He said: “A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted.

“Leadership in Islam is not about cheating people of different faiths. Islam teaches us to share love with people of different faiths or sects.”

Further speaking, Jingir called on President Bola Tinubu, governors and other political leaders to ensure fairness and justice in the discharge of their responsibilities, irrespective of the ethnic, religious or political affiliations of the people they governed.

“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to cheat non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I also call on you not to cheat those who are not in the same political party with you. You should lead with justice and fairness to all Nigerians,” he said.

Jingir maintained that every Nigerian had the right to freely choose and support any candidate of his or her choice during elections.

“Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election,” he said.

The JIBWIS chairman urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and togetherness, stressing that sustainable development could not be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity and division.

“Without peace, there will be no development,” and called on Nigerians to work towards strengthening peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic and religious groups in the country,’’ he added.

ASA