The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State Chapter, 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 Gambo Hamza, Publicity Secretary of JNI Plateau State Chapter, the organisation described the publication attributed to its publicity organ as “fake” and said 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 presented the organisation as endorsing Sheikh Jingir’s position.
However, Hamza said JNI Plateau had neither authorised nor endorsed such a statement.
According to the publicity secretary, while Sheikh Jingir, as an Islamic scholar and religious leader, is entitled to express personal views on public issues, such views should not be interpreted as official positions of JNI.
He explained that JNI is a broad-based Islamic organisation whose responsibilities include 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 particular 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 consequently called on members of the public, media organisations and social media users to disregard the purported publication.
The JNI publicity secretary expressed concern that the alleged false attribution could be intended to create religious tension, misrepresent the organisation’s position and undermine efforts by religious leaders and organisations to promote peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.
Hamza also clarified that JNI does not have an official position designated as Special Adviser on New Media, contrary to the attribution in the circulating statement. He added that the organisation has no official known as Abdulsalam Ahmad in that capacity.
The Plateau JNI therefore 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 what it described as 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 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 controversy comes amid renewed public attention surrounding comments attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, a prominent Islamic scholar in Plateau State. Recent reports have also highlighted his interventions on religious and ethnic issues in the state.
About The Author
More Stories
Chief Ephraim Usman Gar Commends Public Complaints Commission, Women in Politics
2026 United Nations International Youth Day: HRH Dr. Selky Kile Torughedi Commends the Patience – Resilience and Sacrifices of Nigerian Youths
JNI Plateau Disowns Statement by Sheikh Jingir – Calls for Investigation