by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has distanced itself from the purported statement on Sheikh Sani Yaya Jingri, saying, publication and the statement attributed to the organisation are fake, unfounded and do not represent the position of JNI Plateau State.
While Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, as an Islamic scholar and religious leader, is entitled to his personal opinions and views on matters of public interest, such personal positions should not be misconstrued as official positions of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam.
A statement on this note was signed and made public by Gambo Hanza, Publicity Secretary of JNI Plateau State, in which it indicated that, “The JNI is a broad-based Islamic organisation whose responsibility is primarily concerned with promoting peace, unity, religious understanding, moral values and the welfare of Muslims, while fostering peaceful coexistence among the diverse religious and ethnic communities of Nigeria.
“It does not ordinarily take sides in partisan political contests or endorse particular candidates, parties or political arrangements.”
According to the statement, 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.
The Chapter, therefore, dissociates itself completely from the said publication and urges members of the public, the media and social media users to disregard it.
“We are particularly concerned that such a fabricated attribution could be deliberately designed to create religious tension, misrepresent the position of JNI, and damage the longstanding efforts of religious leaders and organisations towards peaceful coexistence on the Plateau.
“JNI Plateau State remains committed to dialogue, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and the responsible exercise of religious freedom.
“Differences of opinion, including those expressed by individual religious scholars, should not be weaponised to create division between Muslims and Christians.”
“While calling on the on the public to exercise caution before accepting or circulating unverified statements attributed to the organisation, we urge media organisations to verify such claims with the authorised leadership of JNI before publication.”
According to JNI, “For the avoidance of doubt, the statement circulating under the name of’ JNI Plateau State’ is NOT an official position of the organisation, and JNI Plateau State hereby distances itself from it in its entirety.
“The JNI does not have any position designated as Special Adviser on New Media, nor does it have any official by the name, Abdulsalam Ahmad.
“The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), therefore, categorically disassociates itself from the individual and any statement purportedly issued by him in the name of the organisation.
“We equally call on the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter with a view to identifying, apprehending and prosecuting the individual behind this false representation, in accordance with the law.”