Tinubu’s Umrah: Islamic Group Accuses Atiku’s Camp Of Insensitivity

The Alsunnah Islamic Redemption Network has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political camp of insensitivity to Islamic spiritual values over comments attributed to his aide, Phrank Shaibu, concerning President Bola Tinubu’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The group said comments questioning the spiritual significance of the Holy Kaaba, which President Tinubu visited during his pilgrimage in Makkah, were offensive to the religious sensibilities of Muslims and capable of deepening political and religious divisions in the country.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Ustaz Yusuf Abdulaziz, the organisation described the comments attributed to Shaibu as unfortunate, adding that political differences should not become an excuse for undermining the religious convictions of fellow Nigerians.

The group recalled that Shaibu, a publicist associated with Atiku, had earlier demanded daily videos and photographs documenting the President’s movements and activities during the spiritual journey.

It said the Presidency subsequently provided updates on the President’s activities in Saudi Arabia.

Expressing concern over the subsequent controversy surrounding the spiritual significance of the Kaaba, the organisation urged political leaders and their spokespersons to exercise restraint when commenting on religious matters.

“Political differences should never become an excuse for undermining the spiritual values and religious convictions of fellow Nigerians,” the group said.

It maintained that access to the Holy Kaaba should not be reduced to a political contest or used as a measure of an individual’s religious standing.

The organisation also questioned what it described as the politicisation of President Tinubu’s spiritual visit, insisting that religious worship should transcend political competition and personal ambitions.

It further called on the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sharia Council of Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and other Islamic organisations to examine the comments attributed to Atiku’s political camp and provide appropriate clarification.

The group said the matter deserved attention because of the importance of the Kaaba to Islamic spiritual life and the need to protect religious values.

It also urged Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political affiliations, to approach the controversy with wisdom and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“Political leaders and their spokespersons must demonstrate greater responsibility when commenting on matters of faith. The Muslim Ummah deserves respect, and religious institutions must not be drawn unnecessarily into partisan political battles,” it stated.

The organisation warned that insensitive comments on religious matters, particularly within an already polarised political environment, could undermine inter-ethnic and interreligious harmony.

It also urged Islamic organisations and religious leaders to engage constructively on issues affecting the sanctity of Islamic values rather than allow religious disagreements to become instruments of political division.