‘Jingir has done more harm to Muslim-Muslim ticket than anyone else’ – Fani-Kayode

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has urged the Sultan of Sokoto and President Bola Tinubu to publicly admonish Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over remarks attributed to him concerning Christians and Christianity. In a statement dubbed "The Gospel According to Sheik Jingir," Fani-Kayode expressed concern over the potential for increased religious tension in Nigeria.

He was particularly troubled that Jingir reportedly expressed no remorse for his comments made at a public event, which reportedly upset both Christians and Muslims.

Fani-Kayode said he had consulted with some Northern Muslim governors and a prominent Muslim cleric, both of whom shared his apprehension about Jingir's remarks. He praised the Sultan for recently advising Christians and Muslims to refrain from insulting each other, calling the counsel "fatherly." Fani-Kayode emphasized the need to respect one another's beliefs and rights, stating that he is a Christian Nigerian who deserves respect just like every Muslim Nigerian deserves respect.

Additionally, Fani-Kayode rejected the notion that his stance against Jingir was fueled by animosity towards Islam. He stressed that he holds equal contempt for Christians who demean, slander, and disrespect Islam as he does for Muslims who do the same to Christianity. Regarding the 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, Fani-Kayode stated his support was based on competence and not on the belief that Islam is superior to Christianity.

He reiterated that religion is a matter of personal choice and that believers have an obligation to respect each other's choices.

Fani-Kayode criticized remarks suggesting that Christians were inferior or should leave Nigeria if displeased with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. He denounced Jingir's comments for causing more damage to the Muslim/Muslim ticket than anyone else, calling for protection of peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims. Fani-Kayode concluded by emphasizing that Jingir has done more harm to the Muslim/Muslim ticket than anyone else.