Cleric reacts to suspension of over remarks on Tinubu

The suspension of Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria by the Jos faction of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has sparked reaction.

The cleric, who was leading Ramadan tafsir at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu, Yobe State, was suspended after delivering a sermon in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some political leaders in the North-West over rising insecurity.

His suspension reportedly followed a meeting convened by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, alongside state and local representatives of the group in Yobe State. The cleric was accused of making strongly worded statements against certain individuals and addressing insecurity in a manner considered inconsistent with the organisation’s principles.

During one of his lectures, Alkali condemned what he described as the failure of governors and influential politicians to tackle kidnappings and banditry in the region. He decried the abduction and mistreatment of victims, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, and criticised what he termed the culture of revering political figures out of fear.

He further alleged that some governors fear the president more than they fear God, and accused political actors of suppressing opposition voices.

Reacting to the suspension in a Facebook post, Alkali said he accepted the decision in good faith, describing Jingir as both a religious leader and a father figure. He urged his followers to remain calm, disciplined and loyal, stating that everything happens according to divine will.

The development has since drawn mixed reactions online. While some youths condemned the suspension as unjustified, others criticised the Izala movement, accusing it of contributing to governance challenges in the North. Conversely, another commentator argued that the cleric’s remarks were dramatic and aimed at winning public sympathy.