Not a Bandit Ally: Sheikh Gumi Declares Loyalty to Nigeria

‎ Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has denied having any connection with banditry or insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that he is a peaceful and loyal citizen committed to the progress of the country.
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‎In an interview section on Africa Independent Television on monday, Gumi clarified that his earlier engagements with bandits sought to assist the government in identifying the underlying causes of insecurity and pursuing lasting solutions via dialogue.
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‎According to Gumi, “I have no any association or hand or even do anything to promote insecurity in Nigeria but on the contrary I am a peaceful citizen who loves his country more than anything that’s why I felt is a duty for me to take along with me the government to go and see this people that are causing insecurity and listen to their grievances.”
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‎Speaking further, Gumi said military force alone cannot end the crisis, noting that security experts had also shared similar concerns with him.
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‎“After listening to their grievances I have not even seen one step taken to elevate their grievances except the kinetic approach and speaking with military officers they say the kinetic approach is just about 25% of solving such kind of conflict,” he stated.
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‎The cleric also addressed his recent issues with Saudi authorities, saying he was eventually cleared of all allegations against him.
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‎“After Saudi Arabians exonerated me, they found me not guilty of all allegations and allowed me to finish my PHD in Islamic studies,” he added.