Condemning Inciting Remarks at a Public Event in Kano

I woke up to the trending video of Sheikh Yahaya Jingir’s comments at a public event in Kano. The remarks were unbecoming of a religious leader and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians because of their inciting tone.

What broke my heart further was seeing three Governors, most especially the Kano State Governor, applauding in solidarity. It leaves one to wonder if the government is complicit in, or supportive of, such statements. The silence from the Federal Government so far has also been concerning.

Nigeria is a secular state. Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly states: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
Furthermore, Section 38(1) guarantees every person the “right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion” and Section 39(2) places a duty on all persons to avoid inciting religious hatred.

Religious fanaticism and extremist rhetoric have no place in our country. At a time when our national unity is already fragile, no leader — religious or political — should make comments capable of further rupturing the relationship between Nigerians of different faiths.

I therefore call on the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to immediately invite the cleric for questioning. He must also issue a public apology for making such an unguarded statement.

If nothing is done, it will normalize hate speech. With elections approaching, inaction will set a dangerous precedent and could trigger religious uprising if adherents of other faiths decide to respond in the same manner.

The sacred sanctity of the Constitution must be respected. The right to worship and the duty to respect other people’s faith and promote religious harmony are binding on all citizens, irrespective of status in society.

Nobody is above the law. I urge the security agencies to act swiftly to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

Nigeria’s peace and security are too important to be toyed with. No one should be allowed to trigger crisis through reckless speech.

The world is watching how this matter will be handled. We must also not forget the recent concerns raised internationally, including statements from the U.S. President regarding violence against Christians in Nigeria. Allowing such remarks to go unpunished will send the wrong signal both locally and globally.

I speak as a concerned Nigerian who believes in the peace, unity, and progress of our country.

Signed
Comrade Ernest Ugorji
Leader of the Youth Coalition
President NIFYSF