Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has declared his willingness to support the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as well as Boko Haram terrorists and bandits, provided they are prepared to disarm.
In a recent interview discussing his mediation efforts, Gumi emphasized that these groups must commit to a roundtable negotiation with the Nigerian government.
He stated, “Dialogue can bring peace, and we are men of peace. Even IPOB, which wants secession, are ready to put down their arms, come to a round table to discuss, I’m ready and would support them. All we don’t want is violence,”
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During the discussion, the cleric alleged that the federal government possesses comprehensive data on those behind the nation’s insecurity, asserting, “The government knows every terrorist by name and location. I don’t go alone to negotiate. I go with the police, military, and other security agencies,”
Gumi also touched upon a lack of public confidence in official narratives, saying, “What they say is not what they do. Essentially, we are asking: what is the way out of insecurity? There is a way out. Let’s bring intellectuals and criminologists from reputable institutions together to find solutions,”
Gumi further argued that military force is not a standalone solution for Nigeria’s security challenges, pointing to the country’s crumbling infrastructure and lack of social services as key drivers of unrest.
He questioned the heavy spending on the military over social welfare, asking, “Experts say 75 percent of the action should be non-kinetic. Look at the roads — terrible. Electricity is erratic and costly. Healthcare is weak; even wealthy Nigerians travel abroad for treatment. Education is in crisis. In this context, should we spend trillions on defense, or invest in providing essential amenities that would have a real impact?”
