The national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir has declared his allegiance to the Plateau State government, following his interrogation by the State Security Services, SSS, for violating the lockdown order against the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
Recall that Mr Jingir had led a large number of his followers for a Juma’at Prayer at Yantaya Mosque last Friday, despite the state government’s order banning all gatherings above 50 persons.
A reliable source close to Governor Simon Lalong confirmed the invitation of Sheikh Jingir by the SSS.
“The religious leader was invited by the SSS to answer some questions,” the source told our correspondent.
Another source within the state headquarters of the SSS also confirmed the interrogation of the cleric, saying: “senior officials from our head office in Abuja had come and invited Sheikh Jingir on Saturday and also on Sunday.
“The cleric was queried and was latter allowed to return home,” he added.
When contacted, the JIBWIS’ National Publicity Secretary, Ahmad Ashir, told our reporter that he was not aware of the SSS’ invitation.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Council, NEC, of the JIBWIS has issued a statement Sunday night, declaring its absolute compliance with the health, safety and social measures taken by the Federal and State Governments against the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The JIBWIS National Chairman, Administration, Shiekh Nasiru AbdulMuhyi, who signed the statement, restated its commitment in supporting government’s initiative against the escalation of COVID-19 in the country.
According to the organization, any measure that seeks to promote public safety and welfare of Nigerians at this critical period is a welcomed development.
The organisation also announced the suspension of its scheduled National Seminar for Qur’anic Recitation, including the Judges, Imams and other juristic participants.
It assured authorities at all level of governance of its concluded arrangements to support the ongoing sensitisation on social distancing, self-isolation, management of public gathering and other hygienic measures which Islam already recognized as a measure that would guard against the epidemic or its escalation.
“We sympathize with unfortunate victims of this tragedy and Pray to Allah (SWT) to help governments at all levels and the entire Nigerians against this global tragedy,” the statement said.
