I engaged in productive dialogue with security officials- Gumi

By Innocent Raphael

Upon the announcement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, that Ahmad Gumi had been invited by security agencies, the Islamic cleric based in Kaduna, has stated that he engaged in a productive dialogue with Nigerian security officials who summoned him regarding security concerns.

Following his meeting with the security agencies, Gumi emphasized on his Facebook page that while he respects the law, his innocence should be protected.

He further reassured the public, stating that there is no need for alarm as the discussions with the security agents were fruitful.

“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.

“Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying -each in his sphere – to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect,” he said.

While appreciating everyone who showed support and concern to his cause, Gumi also highlighted that Nigerians needed to uniteas a nation and work in synergy to achieve the peace that has so much eluded the minds of citizens.

Mr. Gumi has voiced concerns about the North-west security agencies’ management of banditry activities and has proposed solutions to address the ongoing crisis, which has led to numerous casualties and widespread abductions for ransom.

The cleric has also not hidden his disapproval of the Nigerian government’s decision to publicize the names of individuals it accuses of financing terrorism. Recently, the government included one of Mr. Gumi’s associates, Tukur Mamu, among 14 others on the list of alleged terrorist financiers.