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I’ve no regret over my statement; they started it, we suffered — Jingir
NG🏛️ PoliticsCenter11 days ago

I’ve no regret over my statement; they started it, we suffered — Jingir

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, an Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, stated he has no regrets over his public support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria, despite facing criticism. He claimed his stance was rooted in his religious duty rather than political motives, emphasizing that he would continue encouraging Muslims to support such a ticket. Jingir argued that Muslims have historically been disadvantaged and suggested that the current political climate was initiated by others. His comments were made during a mass wedding event organized by the Kano State Government. The cleric also disputed claims that Christians or other religious groups outnumber Muslims in Nigeria. While some critics called his remarks divisive, others defended his right to express his views. A political analyst noted that Jingir’s position could bolster Muslim voter support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections but might also alienate non-Muslim supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Jingir, has reignited controversy in Nigeria by advocating for the continuation of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the upcoming 2027 general elections. His remarks, delivered at a mass wedding ceremony in Kano State, drew sharp criticism from officials and rights bodies, who accused him of inciting religious division and undermining national unity. The cleric's comments, which emphasized the need for Muslims to dominate the political landscape, have triggered calls for legal action against him. At the event, attended by several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, including Abba Yusuf of Kano and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Jingir praised President Bola Tinubu for promoting the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election. He described the arrangement as a "purely Muslim-Muslim coalition" and urged Muslims to rally behind it once again in 2027. In response to criticisms that Nigeria is a multi-religious democracy, Jingir challenged detractors, questioning whether they represented non-Muslim communities and asserting that the majority of voters are Muslim. The cleric also criticized claims by non-Muslims that they outnumber Muslims in Nigeria, insisting that the 2023 election results proved otherwise. He urged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to demonstrate their numerical dominance and expressed confidence that the Muslim community would prevail in future elections. His remarks included references to "infidels," a term he used to describe non-Muslims, and he framed the Muslim-Muslim ticket as a means to assert religious and political supremacy. In response to Jingir's comments, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, called the cleric’s remarks "highly provocative" and warned against what he described as extremist rhetoric. Fani-Kayode emphasized that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious state, composed equally of Christians and Muslims. He argued that Jingir’s statements risked dividing the nation along religious lines and could lead to instability. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took a firm stance against Jingir’s comments, demanding his arrest and prosecution for hate speech and incitement. In a public statement, NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu described the cleric’s remarks as a threat to the constitutional principles of equality and peaceful coexistence. He warned that such divisive rhetoric could embolden other religious and political figures to make inflammatory statements, potentially leading to broader unrest before the 2027 elections. Ojukwu called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to avoid divisive language and instead focus on fostering national unity. He urged the government to take immediate action against Jingir, emphasizing that the prosecution of individuals who exploit religion for political purposes is essential to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The controversy surrounding Jingir’s remarks has also attracted condemnation from political figures. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso criticized the cleric’s comments, stating that the people of Kano do not support divisive rhetoric. Similarly, Femi Fani-Kayode reiterated his concerns about the potential consequences of Jingir’s statements, highlighting the importance of maintaining a secular and inclusive political environment. As the 2027 elections approach, the Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address the growing tensions around religious identity politics. The NHRC has pledged to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the elections remain free from hate speech and violence. Meanwhile, the debate over the Muslim-Muslim ticket continues to fuel discussions about the role of religion in Nigerian politics and the need for a unified national narrative.

4 reports

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentConservativeFactual 88Objective 6512 days ago
I’ve no regret over my statement; they started it, we suffered — Jingir

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, an Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, stated he has no regrets over his public support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria, despite facing criticism. He claimed his stance was rooted in his religious duty rather than political motives, emphasizing that he would continue encouraging Muslims to support such a ticket. Jingir argued that Muslims have historically been disadvantaged and suggested that the current political climate was initiated by others. His comments were made during a mass wedding event organized by the Kano State Government. The cleric also disputed claims that Christians or other religious groups outnumber Muslims in Nigeria. While some critics called his remarks divisive, others defended his right to express his views. A political analyst noted that Jingir’s position could bolster Muslim voter support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections but might also alienate non-Muslim supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the cleric's support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as a religious conviction rather than a political strategy, which aligns with conservative or traditionalist perspectives. It emphasizes the cleric's claim that Muslims have been historically disadvantaged, suggesting a

Why factuality (88): The article provides a detailed account of Jingir's statements from the BBC interview, including his claim that critics 'started it' and his assertion that Muslims are numerically superior. These points are consistent with the first article and other sources. The article accurately reflects his posi

Why objectivity (65): The article uses language such as 'they started it' and 'we suffered in their hands,' which suggests a biased perspective toward critics. This phrasing implies a negative view of those opposing his stance, reducing objectivity. The article also challenges claims about Muslim demographics, presenting

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8012 days ago
NHRC demands Islamic cleric Sani Jingir’s arrest over APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket remarks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Nigeria has demanded the arrest of Islamic cleric Sani Jingir for making remarks that it deems hate speech and incitement during a mass wedding event organized by the Kano State Government. The NHRC's Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, called on law enforcement agencies to take action against Jingir, citing his comments supporting a 'Muslim-Muslim' presidential ticket for the All Progressive Congress (APC) as divisive and contrary to constitutional principles of equality and peaceful coexistence. Jingir, speaking in Hausa, claimed Nigeria is a Muslim-majority nation and criticized those who dispute this, urging Muslims to vote en masse to demonstrate their numerical strength. His remarks, which reference the APC's 2023 electoral success, have sparked controversy, with the NHRC condemning them as potentially inflammatory ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the NHRC's demand for Jingir's arrest as a necessary legal and ethical intervention against hate speech, aligning with progressive values of secularism and minority rights. While the NHRC is a state institution, its critique of religiously motivated political rhetoric reflects a立场

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the NHRC's demand for Sheikh Jingir's arrest based on his public remarks at a mass wedding event. It cites the NHRC's statement and quotes the cleric's comments as reported by PREMIUM TIMES. The information aligns with the cross-source consensus between the two article

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the NHRC's position neutrally, reporting the commission's actions and statements without overt bias. However, it uses emotionally charged language like 'hate speech' and 'incitement,' which may reflect the commission's perspective rather than remaining entirely impartial.

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7512 days ago
2027 Polls: NHRC asks FG to arrest, prosecute Sheikh Jingir for hate speech

Ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded that the federal government arrest and prosecute Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir for hate speech and incitement. The NHRC condemned remarks made by Jingir in a viral video, which included derogatory language toward 'infidels' and calls for religiously exclusive politics. The commission argued that these comments violated constitutional principles and international human rights standards, potentially inciting violence and division among citizens. It called on law enforcement agencies to take action and urged religious leaders and politicians to avoid divisive rhetoric. The NHRC emphasized that prosecution should occur regardless of the individual's status or affiliations to deter future hate speech.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a violation of human rights and democratic values, emphasizing the need for legal action against a religious leader for promoting divisive rhetoric. While the subject involves a political figure and election-related concerns, the framing leans left by highlighting the

Why factuality (85): This article corroborates the previous report, detailing the NHRC's call for Sheikh Jingir's arrest and citing the same executive secretary. It references a 'viral video' and describes the cleric's remarks as 'hateful' and 'inciting.' While the facts are consistent with the first article, the phrasi

Why objectivity (75): The article takes a more critical stance, using phrases like 'hateful and inciting remarks' and 'direct attack on the principles of equality.' This language leans toward a moral judgment, potentially influencing the reader's perception beyond mere factual reporting.

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 7011 days ago
I have no regrets, Islamic cleric defends Muslim-Muslim ticket stance

Sheikh Muhammad Jingir, chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, defended his call for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria, stating he has no regrets about his stance. He emphasized that his position is rooted in Islamic principles, such as the idea that 'a Muslim is a brother to a Muslim,' and argued that Muslims should prioritize electing Muslim leaders. Jingir clarified that his support was not exclusive to current President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, but rather a broader advocacy for Muslim interests. He acknowledged potential criticism but maintained that he was simply expressing his belief in the importance of Muslim representation in politics. His remarks were made during an interview with the BBC and followed a special wedding event organized by the Kano State Government.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the cleric's advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as a defense of Islamic principles and Muslim interests, emphasizing religious identity over secular governance. This framing aligns with right-leaning narratives that prioritize cultural or religious identity in policy

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Sheikh Muhammad Jingir's statements from an interview with the BBC, including his defense of the Muslim-Muslim ticket and his clarification that he supports Islam rather than specific politicians. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding his position and the

Why objectivity (70): The article presents Jingir's statements in a somewhat defensive tone, emphasizing his lack of regret and framing his position as a matter of religious duty. While it avoids overtly emotional language, it subtly frames his comments as justified within a religious context, which may lean slightly tow

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