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Negatively Influential: The new phrase that puts Shekau on “The Muslim 500”

According to the “The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims” 2018 edition, Boko Haram Leader, Abubakar Shekau came fifth on the ‘Extremist’ category in the rankings among the top 500 influential Muslim leaders in the World.

It was however stated in the publication that the views of those selected have not been endorsed; rather the publication seeks to measure their influence and impact, which could be either positive or negative, depending on one’s point of view.

“Influence can sometimes be gauged on a quantitative basis, the number of followers, the number of books written, the amount of sales etc., but more often it is not something measurable in quantitative terms and is more related to the qualitative and lasting effect of that influence”.

Other Nigerians who were listed include President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, Jamb Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Aliko Dangote, amongst others.

They were nominated under different categories such as: Scholars and Preachers, Rulers and Politicians, Social issues, Media, Social Media, Arts, Culture and Sports, amongst others.

Other Nigerians on the ranking are Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmed, Prince Bola Ajibola, Imam Muhammad Ashafa, Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Katsina, Prof Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Shia leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

The publication noted that one of its challenges was how to measure influence adding that opinions diverge in such situations.

“The achievements of a lifetime are given more weight than achievements within the current year. People who are trailblazers or the lone voice in a remote area are also taken into account, as we give weight to people breaking barriers and to local influence as well as global influence.

“This means that our list of names will change gradually, rather than dramatically, year-on-year. This list acts as an opportunity to shed some light on the many challenges and pioneering triumphs that are present at the very crux of shaping the Muslim community”.

Shekau has boasted often about his invincibility; mocked various armies; and stated that he “cannot be stopped” in some of his videos.

He took credit for the kidnapping of over 200 Chibok girls in April 2014, adding that the kidnapped girls have been converted to Islam.

The Boko Haram sect has attacked both churches and mosques in the North. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army have on several occasions said they killed Shekau, who later reappears saying he is not dead. He is likened to a cat with nine lives.

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