The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has suspended prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria from delivering his annual Ramadan Tafseer in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The move has triggered heated debate across Northern Nigeria about the role of religious sermons and the limits of political commentary from the pulpit.
Why the Cleric Was Suspended
The cleric was reportedly barred from preaching at the Mokas Mosque following a high-level meeting chaired by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir.
According to the council, the decision was taken after the scholar allegedly violated the organisation’s preaching guidelines by using what it described as inflammatory language and deviating from established religious methodology during his interpretation of the Qur’an.
Sermon Criticising Government Sparks Controversy
The controversy began after a recent Tafseer session in which the cleric openly criticised Nigeria’s leadership over the persistent insecurity in the northern region.
During the sermon, he condemned the suffering of citizens at the hands of bandits and kidnappers, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.
He also questioned the relationship between state governors and the presidency, suggesting that some political leaders prioritise loyalty to power over accountability to God.
At one point during his address, the cleric reportedly remarked that some governors “fear Tinubu more than they fear Allah,” a statement that quickly circulated on social media and sparked widespread reactions.
He further condemned the handling of insecurity in the region, describing how kidnapping victims are abducted, tortured, and forced into ransom negotiations with their families.
Cleric Reacts Calmly to Suspension
Following the announcement of his suspension, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria addressed his followers through a social media post, urging them to remain calm and accept the decision of the religious leadership.
He stated that his time leading the Ramadan Qur’anic interpretation sessions in Damaturu had come to an end according to God’s will.
The cleric also reaffirmed his respect for Sheikh Jingir, describing him as a father figure and encouraging his supporters to remain disciplined and loyal.
Public Reactions Split
The development has sharply divided opinion online.
Supporters of the cleric praised him for speaking out against insecurity and giving voice to the frustrations of ordinary citizens.
However, critics argued that mosques should remain spaces dedicated to worship and spiritual guidance rather than platforms for political confrontation.
The incident has reignited broader conversations in Nigeria about the balance between religious authority, political criticism, and the role of clerics in national discourse.
