CAN condemns sheikh’s ‘infidel’ remark on Muslim–Muslim ticket
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, has condemned the use of the word “infidel” by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sona Jingir during a call for support for Muslim-Muslim political tickets.
Hayab described the remark as offensive. He warned that such language could heighten religious tension and deepen mistrust between Christians and Muslims.
Jingir had, in a video that circulated widely online, urged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support Muslim-Muslim tickets. During the gathering, the cleric said such a vote would demonstrate to “the infidels” that Muslims formed the majority.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Hayab said the comment reflected concerns that Christians in Northern Nigeria have raised over religious intolerance.
The CAN leader also expressed concern that Jingir made the remark in the presence of three governors. He noted that the governors appeared to laugh during the gathering.
According to Hayab, the statement deserved an immediate rebuke from those present.
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He said referring to Christians as “infidels” was derogatory and could fuel hatred against people of other faiths.
Hayab, however, stressed that Christians would continue to promote dialogue and moderation. He said supporting a Muslim candidate was not, in itself, the problem.
“If Jingir had simply called on Muslims to support their Muslim brothers, it would have been different,” Hayab said. “Adding the word ‘infidel’ made the statement offensive.”
The CAN chairman also urged the government to respond firmly to inflammatory religious rhetoric. He warned that unchecked statements could threaten national peace and unity. Meanwhile, the Director of Research and Production at the Ambassadors of Peace and Social Welfare Initiative, Prof. Ahmad Suleiman, also criticised Jingir’s remarks.
Suleiman cautioned against interpreting the statement as a reflection of Islam or Muslims generally. He said the cleric’s comments contradicted Islamic teachings on relations with Christians.
According to him, the Quran encourages respect for people of other faiths, including Christians.
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Suleiman said political campaigns should focus on competence, character and performance rather than religious identity. He urged Muslims seeking support for a Muslim candidate to campaign on the candidate’s qualities instead of attacking Christians.
“Campaign for a Muslim candidate based on his qualities, but do not campaign against Christians,” Suleiman said.
The professor also cited Sections 10, 38 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution. He noted that the provisions protect religious freedom and prohibit discrimination based on religion.
Suleiman urged Nigerians to separate Jingir’s comments from the broader teachings of Islam.
“Islam is not Jingir. He is one person among hundreds of millions,” he said.
Suleiman also called on political and religious leaders to prioritise good governance and public service. According to him, exploiting religious sentiments for political gain could further divide the country. He maintained that many Muslim leaders would reject inflammatory rhetoric. He urged Nigerians to judge communities by responsible voices and actions rather than isolated comments.
Source: Vanguard News
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: Facebook.com
