By joshua Interfaith Media Guild Calls for Restraint Over Jingir’s Remarks
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has called for restraint, responsible religious preaching and respect for Nigeria’s religious diversity following remarks attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir concerning Christians.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, the Guild described the reported comments as “unfortunate and provocative,” warning that inflammatory religious rhetoric could deepen mistrust and threaten peaceful coexistence.
Abdulmalik said that Islam’s historical tradition provides important examples of peaceful engagement with Christians and other faith communities, pointing to the Prophet Muhammad’s relationship with the Christian ruler of Abyssinia, the Negus, who provided refuge to persecuted early Muslims.
He also cited the Prophet’s engagement with Christian visitors in Madinah as evidence that religious differences did not prevent dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“Islam must not be judged by the irresponsible words of any individual, just as Christianity must not be judged by the misconduct of any Christian,” the GIMP-Nigeria chairman said.
The Guild urged Islamic scholars and organisations, including the Izala Society, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, to provide appropriate scholarly clarification whenever statements attributed to religious figures appear inconsistent with Islamic principles of justice and peaceful coexistence.
It also called on relevant authorities to investigate any allegation of incitement through due process, stressing that no religious leader or public figure should be above the law.
GIMP-Nigeria also cautioned against using law enforcement or religious controversies for political persecution or electoral mobilisation.
The Guild urged President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other political leaders to uphold their constitutional responsibility to protect all Nigerians irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
“Nigeria cannot afford a religious war of words when the country is already confronting insecurity, poverty, unemployment and social fragmentation,” Abdulmalik said.
He called on religious and political leaders to choose dialogue over denunciation and justice over selective outrage, stressing that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be transformed into a source of national strength rather than division.
The Guild concluded by urging Nigerians to reject inflammatory rhetoric and strengthen the culture of interfaith understanding, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.