Islamic Scholar Barred From Ramadan Tafseer After Criticising Tinubu, Governors

Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS)

Islamic Scholar Barred From Ramadan Tafseer After Criticising Tinubu, Governors

The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has officially suspended prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria from conducting his annual Ramadan Tafseer in Damaturu, Yobe State, following controversial remarks he made about Nigeria’s political leadership.

The decision, which has sparked widespread debate across Northern Nigeria, was taken after a high-level meeting of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama led by its National Chairman, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir.

Following the meeting, the cleric was barred from continuing his Tafseer sessions at the Mokas Mosque in Damaturu, where he has traditionally delivered Qur’anic interpretations during the holy month of Ramadan.

Reason for the Suspension

According to the Islamic organization, the suspension was based on what it described as a breach of JIBWIS preaching protocols. The council accused the scholar of using inflammatory language and deviating from the organization’s established religious methodology while interpreting the Holy Qur’an.

Leaders of the group stressed that Tafseer sessions are meant to focus strictly on religious teachings, moral guidance, and spiritual reflection, especially during Ramadan, rather than political commentary capable of generating controversy.

Sermon That Triggered the Controversy

The controversy followed a recent Tafseer session in which Sheikh Alkali launched a strong criticism of the federal government and political leaders in the North over the persistent insecurity crisis, including banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks affecting many communities.

During the sermon, he lamented what he described as the dehumanisation of citizens by bandits and kidnappers, painting a grim picture of victims’ suffering, including abuse during captivity.

The cleric also questioned the relationship between state governors and Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president, suggesting that political leaders were showing excessive loyalty to the presidency.

“One of the signs of catastrophes this generation will likely face is the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations,” he said.

He went further to state:

“Look at how state governors fear Tinubu much more than they fear Allah. If you are in the APC, you are treated like a saint. If you are a member of the opposition, you will be treated like a devil. One will be confronted with trump-up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat.”

Addressing the impact of insecurity, the cleric also described the ordeal of kidnapping victims.

“Today, people are abducted and treated as though they are cattle. They are taken into the bush and ransom negotiations begin. Families plead while victims are beaten and tortured. Sometimes they stamp their feet on their victim’s stomach even during Ramadan,” he said.

Sheikh Alkali’s Reaction

Following the announcement of his suspension, Sheikh Alkali addressed his followers through a message posted on his Facebook page, urging them to remain calm and avoid confrontation with the leadership of the organization.

The cleric maintained a conciliatory tone, emphasizing that his removal from the mosque was part of God’s divine decree and encouraging supporters to accept the decision peacefully.

“To my followers, relatives and associates, I urge you to take heart. This was destined to happen. I cannot exceed the days Allah has written for me to lead Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis in Damaturu,” he wrote.

He also reaffirmed his respect for Sheikh Jingir, describing him as a father figure and urging his followers to remain disciplined and loyal to the leadership of the Islamic organization.

Public Reaction

The development has triggered intense debate on social media and within religious circles, with opinions sharply divided.

Supporters of the cleric praised him for “speaking truth to power” and highlighting the suffering of ordinary Nigerians affected by insecurity.

However, critics argued that the mosque pulpit should not be used for political criticism, insisting that religious platforms must remain focused on spiritual guidance rather than political agitation.

Others say the incident reflects a broader tension in Nigeria over the role of religious leaders in addressing governance and societal issues, particularly in regions facing prolonged security challenges.

Despite the controversy, the leadership of JIBWIS has maintained that its decision was aimed at preserving discipline and maintaining the integrity of religious preaching, especially during the sacred period of Ramadan.