Islamic Cleric Suspended for Criticising Tinubu
Last update: March 5, 2026
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JIBWIA suspends Sheikh Salihu Zaria for criticising Nigeria's President during a Ramadan Tafsir...
The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has suspended Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria following remarks he made during a Ramadan Tafsir in Damaturu.
Sheikh Alkali, who was invited to deliver Qur’anic exegesis at Mokas Mosque in Yobe State, was suspended after criticising Bola Tinubu and other political leaders over insecurity in northern Nigeria.
According to reports, the decision followed a meeting convened by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, which included the cleric alongside state and local representatives of the organisation in Yobe State.
CBI News reports that the cleric was accused of making strongly worded statements against political figures and addressing security concerns in a manner said to be inconsistent with the organisation’s methodology.
During one of his Ramadan sessions, Sheikh Alkali criticised government officials and governors in the North-West, accusing them of failing to address worsening insecurity.
“Today people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Somebody will be abducted and taken to the bush. They then negotiate the ransom. Families implore, even though the abductors are complete ignorant. They will beat and kick their victims. Often they will stamp their feet on their victim’s stomach in Ramadan,” he said.
He also condemned what he described as the tendency to fear powerful individuals instead of God.
“One of the signs of catastrophes this generation will likely face is the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations. Look at how state governors fear Tinubu much more than they fear Allah,” he stated.
“If you are in 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 trumped-up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat,” he added.
Reacting to his suspension, Sheikh Alkali said he accepted the decision in good faith.
In a Facebook post, he described Jingir as both a religious leader and a father figure, urging his followers to remain calm and disciplined.
“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.
“I urge you to be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decided is the best for us.”
