A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has weighed in on a growing controversy involving an Islamic scholar and a Christian pastor, calling for calm and respect for the law.
The issue, which has sparked widespread reactions across social media, centres on allegations that a pastor made offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and a subsequent move by an Islamic cleric to place a N1 million bounty on the pastor.
Ahmad, who served as a media aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said both actions were wrong and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
The controversy began when a pastor reportedly shared comments on social media that many Muslims considered insulting to Prophet Muhammad, who is highly revered in Islam. The remarks quickly attracted criticism, with many calling for action against the pastor.
In response, an Islamic scholar allegedly announced a N1 million reward for anyone who could take action against the pastor. This development further escalated tensions, drawing sharp reactions from different groups and raising concerns about public safety.
As the issue gained attention, many Nigerians turned to Ahmad, tagging him in posts and asking for his opinion.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Ahmad said he felt it was important to address the matter carefully, given its sensitive nature.
He explained that issues involving religion require proper context and thoughtful discussion to avoid worsening tensions.
“I have noticed that many people are tagging me in posts about a scholar who placed a bounty on a pastor who publicly insulted our revered Prophet (SAW),” he said. “Addressing such a sensitive issue without proper context is inadequate.”
Ahmad made it clear that he does not support the actions of either party.
According to Ahmad, the pastor’s comments were offensive and showed a lack of respect for the beliefs of others. He noted that Muslims hold Prophet Muhammad in very high regard, and any insult directed at him can provoke strong reactions.
“The pastor should not have insulted our Prophet (SAW), while fully aware of the deep reverence Muslims have for him,” Ahmad said.
Nigeria is a multi-religious country, with large populations of both Muslims and Christians. Religious harmony has often been tested by statements or actions seen as disrespectful to one group or another.
While condemning the pastor’s remarks, Ahmad also criticised the Islamic scholar for placing a bounty, describing it as unacceptable.
He stressed that individuals should not take matters into their own hands, regardless of how offended they feel.
“At the same time, the scholar was also wrong to take matters into his own hands,” Ahmad said. “The appropriate course of action would have been to report the matter to the authorities and allow the law to take its course.”
Ahmad’s comments highlight the importance of the rule of law in managing disputes, especially those involving religion.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to violence or breakdown of order.
The police and other security agencies are expected to monitor the situation closely, especially given the speed at which information spreads on social media.
The role of social media in amplifying the controversy has also come under focus. Platforms like X allow information — and sometimes misinformation — to spread quickly, often without proper verification.
Within hours, the issue had drawn thousands of comments, with users expressing anger, support, or concern.
Some called for the arrest of the pastor, while others condemned the bounty and warned against violence.
Religious leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians of different faiths.
They stress that freedom of expression should not be used to insult religious beliefs, while grievances should be addressed through legal channels.
Ahmad’s position reflects this balance — condemning offensive speech while also rejecting unlawful retaliation.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how authorities will respond.
There are growing calls for investigations into both the alleged remarks by the pastor and the reported bounty by the cleric.
For now, Ahmad’s message is clear: respect for religion must go hand in hand with respect for the law.
“This is not the time for actions that could create more problems,” a public affairs analyst in Abuja said. “What is needed is calm, dialogue, and adherence to the law.”