An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Zakari Jibrin, has backed Governor Umaru Bago’s call for responsible religious preaching in Niger State, describing the governor’s position as consistent with Islamic teachings that emphasise peace, unity and social harmony.
Reacting to public debate surrounding the governor’s recent remarks on religious sermons, Jibrin said Islam advocates moderation, wisdom and constructive engagement, stressing that the preservation of peace is a shared responsibility of government, religious leaders and citizens.
He said Governor Bago’s comments should not be misconstrued as an attempt to restrict religious freedom but viewed as a call for places of worship to remain centres of moral guidance rather than platforms for messages capable of inciting hatred, division or violence.
According to the cleric, Niger State has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, where people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds have lived together harmoniously for decades. He said preserving that legacy demands the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
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Jibrin noted that the Holy Qur’an instructs Muslims to invite others to the path of Allah with wisdom, patience and good counsel while discouraging actions that breed discord and social instability.
He added that religious leaders occupy a strategic position in shaping public values and should use their pulpits to promote honesty, justice, compassion, discipline, tolerance, respect for lawful authority and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging the responsibility of clerics to provide guidance and speak on issues affecting society, Jibrin maintained that such interventions should be delivered with wisdom and restraint, fostering dialogue and understanding rather than deepening divisions.
The Islamic scholar also called on government to complement efforts at promoting peace with sustained investments in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and job creation, arguing that lasting peace cannot be separated from inclusive development.
“Peace and development are mutually reinforcing,” he said, noting that stable communities attract investment, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life, while inclusive development helps address the underlying causes of social tension.
Jibrin further advocated stronger collaboration between the Niger State Government and religious institutions through the Bureau for Religious Affairs and other relevant agencies to encourage responsible preaching, deepen interfaith understanding and strengthen civic responsibility.
He urged political leaders, religious clerics, traditional rulers and residents to reject hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and all forms of extremism capable of threatening the state’s peaceful coexistence.
Reiterating that Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace, Jibrin said every Muslim has a responsibility to contribute positively to society by promoting justice, harmony and mutual respect.
He added that sustaining Niger State’s reputation for peaceful coexistence would require continued cooperation among government, religious leaders, traditional institutions, political actors and citizens, insisting that only a collective commitment to peace and development can secure the state’s long-term stability and prosperity.
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