Gumi Offers To Lead Amnesty Campaign For Kanu If….
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has said he is willing to personally lead a campaign for amnesty for the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, provided the separatist publicly renounces violence.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking on Channels Television’s morning programme on Tuesday, Gumi said his stance stems from a long-held belief that negotiation, rather than force, remains the most effective strategy to resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Our army is not designed for a guerrilla war; no army is designed for that,” he said.
“So, since we have people ready to put down their arms, why must it always be kinetic? Let me give you an example: Kanu, who was imprisoned for terrorism and for calling for the killing of soldiers… if he now shows remorse and calls for peace, I will be at the forefront calling for his pardon and amnesty.”
The cleric cited successful negotiations with bandits in Kaduna state and said the persistent insecurity in Zamfara was due to the government’s inability to reach agreements with criminals.
“Look, Shehu Shagari gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants who committed acts of terrorism. This is how we operate; we are looking for a way out,” Gumi said.
He warned against foreign intervention in Nigeria’s security matters, urging all Nigerians to support homegrown solutions.
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“I don’t want foreign intervention. I don’t want tribes fighting. And we don’t want the fire of religion to be ignited, because who can quench it then?” he said.
Gumi added that security has improved in some areas, such as the Abuja-Kaduna road, though challenges remain.
“Things are improving. Just give the government time and a chance. But to be pressured from outside—that we object to. Our sovereignty is a red line. We can never accept foreigners coming into Nigeria, under any excuse,” he stressed.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
