A claim by prominent Islamic cleric and Chairman Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has sparked controversy. The cleric had claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not aware of the recent fuel price increase.
Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Retail Management hiked pump price of petrol from N568-N617 to N855 to N897 per litre, depending on the location.
Independent marketers also adjusted their prices to between N930 and N1,200 per litre of petrol.
The price hike had a widespread impact, with some Nigerians resorting to long-distance trekking and others missing work due to the higher transportation costs.
Many had criticised the Tinubu administration, saying such increase was uncalled for amid the inflation and widespread hardship.
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In a video which went round on social media platforms, the cleric had claimed that the increase in fuel price was done without the knowledge of President Tinubu.
He said, “President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I know you are a listener, I plead with you…Those against Muslim-Muslim are trying to make Muslims, Nigerians dislike you. You went to China on a visit that would yield positive result for Nigeria, and they suddenly increased fuel price.”
“Was the President in the country when the price was hiked? Don’t the President and his Vice have the right to know before announcing the increase or not?” he asked a congregation of followers who gathered to listen to his preaching.
However, the cleric’s comment generated a lot of reactions, with many asking him to double check his facts and sources.
But in a recent video, Sheikh Jingir insisted that he got his information from ironclad sources which even his attackers could attest to their reliability.
He said, “You that is insulting me that I said President Tinubu was not aware of the recent hike in fuel price, I have my sources. And I know even you yourself can attest to their reliability.
“Some people rush their Subh prayers just to listen to the BBC. These people believe in BBC. Others watch NTA and say it’s the voice of the government. Others say Daily Trust is the northern newspaper and widely acclaimed to be reliable. They believe whatever they read in the paper.
“Since you believe with these media outlets, then it is the BBC that said President Tinubu was not aware (of the recent increase in fuel price). Daily Trust said President Tinubu was not aware. NTA said President Tinubu was not aware.
“Their news has gone viral since last Thursday. I have people who tell me what they report. But those against Muslim-Muslim government descended on me (that I said Tinubu was not aware), so when I came for my preaching I said it was reported that even President Tinubu was not in the know of the fuel price increase, I suddenly came under attack that I was now backing the government.
“I am not the one who said it, it’s BBC, Daily Trust and NTA that said so. I understand you also can attest to their reliability. If you want to serve justice and be fair, you should also insult BBC, NTA and Daily Trust.
“Some people are saying I should not be rushing to comment on issues without confirming them, but (this one) I got it from BBC, NTA and Daily Trust.
“I know my fault. It is (because I advocate for) Muslim-Muslim. Let them continue insulting!”
Verification:
The cleric did not provide any substantial evidence to back his claim. He didn’t share the link of the story on any website or cite the specific edition of the paper which carried the report. On the other hand, Daily Trust had reported how President Tinubu, at a meeting with Nigerians in Beijing in China, justified the increase in petrol price, describing it as a “bold and unprecedented decision” necessary for Nigeria’s growth.
“Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices.
“But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?
“What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?
“So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people.
“The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development.’’
Verdict: The claim is not TRUE as Daily Trust did not report that President Tinubu was not aware of the recent increase in fuel price.
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