Following an alleged breach of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS)’s preaching guidelines, the leadership of JIBWIS has formally suspended a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, from delivering his annual Ramadan Tafseer in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The cleric was accused of employing inflammatory language and drifting from the established methodology of Qur’anic interpretation.
Sheikh Alkali was prevented from continuing his Tafseer sessions at the Mokas Mosque after a high-level meeting convened by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir.
The controversy arose from a recent Tafseer session during which Sheikh Alkali strongly criticized the federal government and regional authorities over the ongoing insecurity in the North.
Alkali decried the worsening plight of citizens at the hands of bandits and kidnappers, describing the suffering endured by victims, even during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Today, people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Someone will be taken into the bush, and the ransom will be negotiated. Families plead desperately. Victims are beaten and brutalised. Some are kicked and trampled upon, even during Ramadan.”
“One of the signs of catastrophes this generation will likely face is the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations.”
“Look at how state governors fear Tinubu much more than they fear Allah. If you are in the APC, you are treated like a saint. If you are a member of the opposition, you will be treated like a devil. One will be confronted with trumped-up charges. Who is Tinubu? We felt deceived. You are a deceiver and a cheat.”
The cleric also faulted what he described as the posture of state governors in their dealings with the presidency, that political loyalty had overshadowed accountability.
Following news of his suspension, Sheikh Alkali addressed his followers on social media, maintaining a measured tone and urging restraint.
He called on his supporters to accept the decision peacefully, describing it as part of divine destiny.
“To my followers, relatives, and associates, I urge you to remain steadfast. This was destined to happen.
“I cannot exceed the days Allah has written for me to lead Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis in Damaturu. Be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decreed is best for us,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
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