Yakubu Da’u Criticizes Federal Government and Clerics Over Controversial Qur’anic Festival

By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe

Yakubu Da’u Gombe, popularly known as Jikan Shehi, an outspoken Almajiri and advocate for Islamic teachings, has strongly criticized the federal government and some Northern Islamic scholars, particularly from the Northeast, for supporting the planned Qur’anic Festival in Abuja.

In his remarks, Yakubu Da’u dismissed the event as baseless in Islamic teachings, describing it as a distortion of religious practices. “There is no concept of a Qur’anic Festival in Islam,” he stated. “If some people criticize Maulid—which has historical roots in Islam—how can they justify endorsing this so-called Qur’anic Festival?”

He also accused the federal government of hypocrisy, referencing the administration’s recent actions under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who expelled Almajiris from Abuja. “It’s contradictory and unjust to evict Almajiris but then invite over 60,000 scholars and Almajiris for this event,” he said.

Yakubu Da’u expressed concerns about the motivations of scholars supporting the festival, alleging financial incentives and political agendas. “Some scholars accepted the invitation purely for material gains. They are being used to further political interests, particularly with the 2027 elections in view,” he alleged.

He further criticized the government’s treatment of Almajiris, highlighting the struggles many face. “A government that has made life unbearable for Almajiris cannot suddenly claim to support them through this festival. Many Almajiris are fighting to survive, not to attend politicized events,” Yakubu Da’u argued.

Warning against the politicization of religion, he said, “A government responsible for widespread hunger and hardship has no moral right to organize a Qur’anic Festival. This is nothing more than an attempt to manipulate religion for political purposes.”

Yakubu Da’u called on religious leaders and the Muslim community to reject the festival, stating that it undermines Islamic values. “As a devoted Almajiri, I condemn this festival outright. It serves neither Islam nor the community,” he declared.

He urged scholars and believers to reflect deeply on the motives behind the event and avoid being tools of political manipulation.