Islamic Cleric Suspended After Criticizing Tinubu, Northern Leaders in Sermon

The Jos faction of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has suspended a prominent cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, following a sermon in which he openly criticised Nigeria’s political leadership over worsening insecurity in the North.

The suspension came while the scholar was delivering Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis (Tafsir) at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu, Yobe State. 

His remarks, which targeted government officials and the country’s leadership, reportedly sparked concern within the Islamic organisation.

According to sources within the group, the disciplinary action was taken after a meeting of JIBWIS scholars and officials convened by the Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir. 

The gathering included representatives from state and local chapters of the organisation in Yobe.

Leaders of the group reportedly concluded that the cleric’s comments on national politics and security issues were inconsistent with the preaching approach traditionally adopted by the movement.

During one of the Ramadan lectures, Sheikh Alkali had condemned what he described as the failure of authorities to curb rampant kidnappings and banditry across northern communities. 

He argued that the suffering of ordinary citizens had continued because those in power lacked the political will to confront armed groups.

“People are now abducted as if they were commodities,” the cleric said during the sermon. 

“Families are forced to beg and negotiate while victims endure brutal treatment in captivity, even during the holy month.”

He also criticised political loyalty among state leaders, claiming some governors showed greater allegiance to powerful political figures than to moral accountability.

“There is a dangerous trend where leaders fear influential individuals more than they fear God,” he said. 

“Such attitudes deepen injustice and weaken the fight against insecurity.”

The cleric further alleged that political divisions were fuelling unfair treatment within the country’s governance structure.

“In today’s climate, belonging to the ruling party can make someone appear faultless, while opposition figures are quickly branded as enemies,” he said. 

“This atmosphere discourages honest leadership and accountability.”

Despite the controversy, Sheikh Alkali has accepted the disciplinary decision of the religious body.

In a message shared on social media, he described Sheikh Jingir as both a spiritual guide and a father figure, urging his followers to remain calm and respectful of the organisation’s leadership.

“This development should not cause distress,” he wrote. “Every event unfolds according to God’s will, and we must remain disciplined and patient in all circumstances.”

He also advised supporters to remain loyal to the group and continue observing the Ramadan period with humility and unity.