The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has reacted to the explosive remarks attributed to one Sheikh Yahaya Jingir concerning Christians in the country.
In a statement by its Chairman, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, calling for restraint, responsible religious preaching and respect for Nigeria’s religious diversity, the Guild described the reported comments as “unfortunate and provocative.”
According to the interfaith religious group, inflammatory religious rhetoric could deepen mistrust and threaten peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria cannot afford a religious war of words when the country is already confronting insecurity, poverty, unemployment and social fragmentation.”
The group recalled 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.
It 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 Guild called on 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 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.
It advised 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 advised Nigerians to reject inflammatory rhetoric and strengthen the culture of interfaith understanding, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
