Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Tuesday said he is a peacemaker, not a spokesman to armed groups.
Sheikh Gumi said this in an exclusive interview aired on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.
The prominent Islamic scholar in the interview denied supporting bandits, insisting that he is only involved in peace efforts, adding that his role was strictly humanitarian and conflict-resolution based.
“I am absolutely a peacemaker. I don’t want bloodshed. Nigerians forget that our military men are dying too. We recently lost a Brigadier General because of a stalemate with Boko Haram,” he said.
Sheikh Gumi added, “These terrorists are supported by international interest groups who supplying them logistics, weapons and intelligence. So, we are not fighting a rag-tag group, we are fighting an international network.”
While arguing that many armed herders lacked channels to express grievances, forcing them into violent confrontations, he said: “It is like a doctor explaining an illness. People accuse the doctor of supporting the sickness. Understanding their side is the only way to propose a cure.
“Peace is still sweeter than war. Many of these fighters said they are ready to die. We must show them the value of peace, education, hospitals and a better life. Their brutality is a sign of weakness, not strength.”
On the allegation of global links to insecurity in Nigeria, Sheikh Gumi stated that terrorist activities were not isolated from foreign interests, adding, “Boko Haram, yes. There are professional, international interests’ involved, foreign bodies that supply them weapons and intelligence. The bandits, on the other hand, have more rudimentary weapons.”
Commenting on the genocidal claim by President Donald Trump, the prominent Islamic scholar dismissed the claim that Nigeria was experiencing a religious war, describing the narrative as misleading.
“There is no Christian-Muslim war in Nigeria. Anyone pushing that narrative is not telling the truth. Trump is not to be taken seriously. He accused Nigeria before any investigation. America is after oil, both ours and Venezuela’s. Nigerians should not be excited about foreign interference.” he said.
Responding to his controversial visits to bandits’ camps, he insisted that he acted with the knowledge and invitation of government authorities.
“People do not know the full story. I was invited by the Zamfara state government to help negotiate peace. We went with police, officials and the press. We sat with them only to hear their grievances. Many who shout online do not know the context,” he said.
Speaking on the way forward, Sheikh Gumi called for a structured amnesty programme similar to that of the Niger Delta.
