Outspoken Islamic cleric suspended after slamming Tinubu, governors

The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has suspended a well-known Islamic cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, from delivering his annual Ramadan Tafseer in Damaturu, Yobe State.

Sheikh Alkali was stopped from continuing his Tafseer sessions at Mokas Mosque after a meeting held by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir.

According to the council, the decision was taken because the cleric allegedly went against the organisation’s preaching rules. They said he used strong language and did not follow the proper method of explaining the Qur’an.

The issue started during one of his recent Tafseer sessions where Sheikh Alkali criticised the federal government and some state governors over the rising insecurity in northern Nigeria.

He spoke about the suffering of people who are being attacked, kidnapped, and forced to pay ransom to bandits. He said many victims are badly treated by their captors, even during the holy month of Ramadan.

The cleric also accused some state governors of showing more loyalty to the president than being accountable to the people.

In his words, he said some governors appear to fear President Bola Tinubu more than they fear Allah.

Reacting to the suspension, Sheikh Alkali later spoke to his followers on social media, asking them to remain calm and accept the decision.

He said the situation was part of destiny and urged his supporters to stay disciplined and peaceful.

The cleric also expressed respect for Sheikh Jingir, describing him as a father figure.

He wrote that whatever happens is according to the will of Allah and encouraged his followers to remain patient.