Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide has taken a swipe at Islamic cleric Sheikh Jingir for saying Nigeria is a Muslim country.

Jingir, while speaking at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State government for 1,500 couples, also described Christians as infidels.

Addressing the backlash that followed 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.”

Meanwhile, Oyedepo has stated that it is madness to state that Nigeria is a Muslim country amid the exploits of certain establishments in the country.

He told his congregation, "Watch Redemption Camp, watch Salvation Ministries, and watch various churches in Nigeria, and then somebody will say Nigeria is an Islamic nation. Is he mad? Yes, he must be mad."

ASA