In the aftermath of his meeting with security operatives, controversial Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has broken his silence, reassuring the public that there is “no cause for alarm.”
The Kaduna-based cleric’s remarks come in the wake of his summons by security agents on Monday to discuss the nation’s security situation, particularly the prevalent issue of banditry in the North.
Acknowledging the summons, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi disclosed that the discussion with Nigerian security agents was both constructive and cordial.
This encounter followed an announcement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who confirmed Gumi’s invitation by the security agencies.
Addressing concerns surrounding the meeting, Gumi took to his Facebook page to assuage fears, emphasizing the absence of hostility in the engagement with security personnel.
“Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is no cause for alarm,” Gumi wrote.
He underscored the productive nature of the interaction, highlighting the shared commitment to combating the menace of banditry afflicting the nation.
Expressing gratitude for the concern shown, Gumi reiterated the importance of national unity and collaborative efforts in attaining lasting peace.
“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve everlasting peace,” he remarked, concluding with a prayer for divine protection.
Gumi’s involvement in advocating for dialogue with bandits has drawn both attention and controversy.
He has persistently urged the federal government to consider granting amnesty to bandits, drawing parallels with past initiatives such as former President Musa Yar’Adua’s amnesty program for militants in the Niger Delta region.
While public outcry over escalating insecurity in the North, marked by incidents of banditry including kidnappings for ransom, continues to mount, Gumi remains steadfast in his belief that negotiation offers a viable solution to the crisis.
Despite criticism, he maintains his stance, advocating for dialogue as a means to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
