The suspension of a cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos faction, is generating reactions.

Sheikh Alkali, who deployed to lead the Ramadan exegesis at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu, Yobe State, was suspended after he delivered a sermon in which criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His suspension reportedly followed a meeting conveyed by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, with the cleric as well as state and local representatives of the group in Yobe.

He was accused of using strongly-worded statements against certain individuals in the region as well as the president, addressing insecurity in a manner said to be inconsistent with the organization’s established methodology.

During one of his sessions, Alkali criticized corrupt government officials, north west governors and President Tinubu, condemning the persistent insecurity in the region, particularly activities of kidnappers and bandits, saying the state governors and influential politicians from the region have not demonstrated political will to end the killings.

Alkali said, “Today people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Somebody will be abducted and taken to the bush. They then negotiate the ransom. Families implore, even though the abductors are completely ignorant. They will beat and kick their victims. Often they will stamp their feet on their victim’s stomach in Ramadan.”

Also Alkali listed the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations as one of the leading catastrophes the society may face.

He said, “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 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 trump up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat.”

However, reacting to his suspension, in a post on his Facebook page, Alkali said he accepted the decision in good faith.

Comforting his followers, Alkali said Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir is not only a religious leader, but also a father figure to him.

He wrote, “To my followers, relatives and associates, I urge you to take heart. This was destined to happen. I cannot exceed the days Allah has written for me to lead Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis in Damaturu. I urge you to be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decided is the best for us.”

Subsequently, youths took to their social media accounts to condemn the suspension, describing it as unjustifiable.

Commenting on the development, a Facebook user, Yusuf Katagun said that the Izala movement had proven to be part of the north’s biggest problems.

He wrote, “Izala is part of our biggest problems in the north. These are the same people who, in their loud voices and numbers, championed Muslim-Muslim ticket and brought this bad governance.”

Katagun said that the leadership of the organization is silent at a time when people need their voices the most.

But Ahmad Usman El-nafaty said that what the cleric did was theatrical, saying he did it to win the hearts of his followers.

‘There is nothing impressive in what Alkali said. It is theatrical. His plan is to cause some discontent among people. He is simply turning Tafseer sessions into comedy.”

However, Ibraheem Ahmad, another user, said that the suspension of Alkali was totally wrong and it is not according to the teachings of Islam.

He said, “Clerics are the last hope of the ordinary Nigerians. Many clerics called out Tinubu but they were not suspended because they did not endorse the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“What Alkali said was the bitter truth. Islamic clerics should fear Allah. You are the representative of the people whose blood is being spilled.”

According to a popular Facebook, Datti Assalfiy, criticizing political leaders should not be enough reason to suspend the cleric.

He said, “Politicians are irreligious. This is the reason the cleric is quiet these days.” (Daily Trust)