March 27, (THEWILL)- Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has honoured his invitation by security agencies over remarks on bandits, noting that he had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry in the country.
Gumi said he was treated with courtesy during the questioning.
THEWILL had on Monday, reported that the Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing state house correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, disclosed that Gumi had been invited for questioning, following his comments on banditry.
In a post on Tuesday, the cleric, while confirming the invitation, said there “is absolutely no cause for alarm.”
The post titled, “Only one Person is Above the Law: The Innocent!”, reads: “Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm.
“Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying, each in his own sphere, to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.
“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace. I thank you for your concern. May Allah continue to protect us all from all evil. Amin.”
The Cleric had on Wednesday, March 20, questioned the Federal Government’s rights to label 15 entities including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, as terrorism financiers.
Gumi, who spoke when he was featured on Daily Trust X Space, said it is only the Court of law that has the right to declare anyone terrorism financier.
“I think it’s high time the government took the bull by the horns, come together to see how to redirect these people (bandits)…
“Now they are looking for N1 billion for these children (kidnap victims) to be released. They financed themselves by kidnapping. I think it’s rubbish to just frame your political opponents as financing terrorism.
“No Nigerian will put his money into terrorism, we’re beyond that. These people are financing themselves by taking our children for ransom. So, how can we say some people are financing terrorism because there is a misunderstanding between them”, he said.
Gumi, who was requested to vindicate himself due to some individuals already implicating him in the scandal, had said “I am a public figure; many people come to me. The good, the bad, the ugly. As a preacher, I cannot send anybody away, no matter how bad. If you ask, especially pastors, armed robbers come to them and confess but they cannot still take them to the authorities. What I know of Mamu and his arrest is a misunderstanding between him and the committee that was supposed to deal with the release of some victims. But since the case is in court, we hope the court will be just for him. That is what we wanted all along; take him to court.
“Instead of incarcerating someone and levelling phantom allegations against him. Bring your proof, And if Mamu is found guilty, he should have full-fledged punishment. But as of what I know, let’s wait for the court”, the Sheikh had responded.
Sheikh Gumi had also called on the President Bola Tinubu-led government, to collaborate with him to negotiate with bandits.
He cautioned Tinubu against repeating what he characterised as the mistake committed by former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who declined to engage in dialogue with bandits.
“I am ready to lead a holistic dialogue between the government and bandits. It is a religious duty for me to do so for peace. I hope the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will listen by dialoguing with the bandits because the past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari refused to do so”, he said.
About the Author
