The Plateau State Chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has distanced itself from a statement circulating on social media purportedly expressing the organisation’s “100 per cent” support for Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over comments concerning the Muslim-Muslim political ticket.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of JNI Plateau State Chapter, Gambo Hamza, the organisation described the publication attributed to its publicity organ as fake and stressed that it does not represent the official position of the chapter.
The purported statement, circulated under the headline, “We Stand With Sheikh Jingir 100%: JNI Plateau Media Aide Defends Islamic Cleric’s Anti-Christian Comments,” allegedly portrayed the organisation as endorsing Sheikh Jingir’s position.
However, Hamza said JNI Plateau neither authorised nor endorsed the statement.
He explained that while Sheikh Jingir, as an Islamic scholar and religious leader, is entitled to express his personal views on public issues, such views should not be interpreted as the official position of JNI.
According to him, JNI is a broad-based Islamic organisation committed to promoting peace, unity, religious understanding, moral values and the welfare of Muslims, while encouraging peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
Hamza further stated that the organisation does not ordinarily take sides in partisan political contests or endorse specific political candidates, parties or political arrangements.
“JNI Plateau State neither endorsed nor authorised any statement purporting to support Sheikh Jingir ‘100%’ in relation to the Muslim-Muslim ticket or any other partisan political position,” he said.
The chapter therefore urged members of the public, media organisations and social media users to disregard the purported publication.
Hamza expressed concern that the alleged false attribution could be intended to create religious tension, misrepresent the organisation’s position and undermine ongoing efforts by religious leaders and organisations to promote peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.
He also clarified that JNI does not have an official position designated as Special Adviser on New Media, contrary to the attribution contained in the circulating statement.
According to him, the organisation has no official known as Abdulsalam Ahmad serving in such a capacity. The Plateau JNI consequently disassociated itself from both the individual and the statement allegedly issued in its name.
The organisation called on relevant security agencies to investigate the matter, identify those responsible for the alleged false representation and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The chapter reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and the responsible exercise of religious freedom.
It also urged members of the public to exercise caution when receiving or sharing statements attributed to the organisation and advised media houses to verify such claims with the authorised leadership of JNI before publication.
The clarification comes amid renewed public attention surrounding comments attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, a prominent Islamic scholar in Plateau State, on religious and political issues.