The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has suspended Islamic cleric Alkali Zaria from delivering his annual Ramadan Tafseer in Damaturu, Yobe State after he criticised the federal government and some state governors during a session.
Cleric Alkali was stopped from continuing his Tafseer sessions at Mokas Mosque following a meeting held by the chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama Muhammad Jingir.
The council said the decision was taken because the cleric went against the organisation’s preaching rules.
It said he used language that did not follow the method approved for explaining the Qur’an.
The controversy began during one of his recent Tafseer sessions where Alkali spoke about insecurity in northern Nigeria and criticised the response of government officials.
He spoke about people being attacked, kidnapped and forced to pay ransom to bandits, saying victims were sometimes mistreated by their captors.
“Today, people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Somebody will be taken into the bush and ransom negotiated. Families plead desperately,” he said.
“Victims are beaten and brutalised. Some are kicked and trampled upon, even during Ramadan.”
The cleric also criticised some governors for what he described as loyalty to the president rather than accountability to the people.
“Look at how state governors fear Bola Tinubu much more than they fear Allah,” he said.
“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.”
Following news of the suspension, Alkali addressed his followers on social media and asked them to remain calm.
“To my followers, relatives and associates, I urge you to remain steadfast. This was destined to happen,” he wrote.
“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 also expressed respect for Jingir, describing him as a father figure.
