Prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniya Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Dahiru Bauchi, has decried the attitude of followers of some Islamic sects and Muslim politicians, who derive joy in verbally attacking other Muslims over political differences

Mr Bauchi expressed his displeasure when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, paid him a courtesy visit in his residence recently.

The Islamic scholar told his followers that Islam promotes religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence with other faiths while it abhors fanaticism and bigotry.

He said: “A Muslim must respect other people as encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It will be more preferable to vote for a Christian than a member of the Izala Movement who does not see or regard members of Tijjaniya sect or other Muslims as Muslims because of fanaticism and political differences.”

He, however, said, “Both Tarika and Izala are under the umbrella of Islam, our religion. But the person they (APC) are imposing on the people is the same man who is well known in insulting our renowned Islamic scholars and elders. Yet, he is calling himself a Muslim. It is like a direct insult to my father, mother, scholars, mentors and spiritual leaders and we’ll never support such a person.”

He called on the people of Bauchi State to reject politicians who use religion to divide them.

He said the Speaker’s track records of religious tolerance, peacebuilding and worthy representation speak for themselves. He noted that Mr Dogara had brought dividends of democracy to his constituency, Bauchi State and the North-east region.