The Igbo Youths in Diaspora (IYD) have made an urgent request to the federal government to arrest Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi right now since he has been publicly supporting and defending terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Chukwuemeziem Ekete, the chairman of the group, said that Gumi had gone too far when he spoke out against recent US airstrikes against terrorists. Daily Independent adds that he said the cleric had gone from public commentary to open support of terrorism.
Ekete criticized Gumi for telling Nigeria to cut ties with the US after the strikes, saying that the cleric had no moral right to criticize activities aimed at breaking up terror networks that are responsible for mass killings, kidnappings, and displacing people across the country.
“Why is Sheikh Gumi still permitted to say things that make terrorists feel stronger? Why is someone who always makes excuses for terrorist violence free? Ekete wanted to know.
He argued that Nigeria had reached a point when people who openly support or defend terrorism should be recognized as accomplices and brought to justice.
Ekete said that the data showed that terrorist attacks were more likely to happen in Christian areas. He also said that this kind of violence had hurt Nigeria’s reputation throughout the world and made the country less safe.
“It is upsetting that Gumi is quick to oppose the US’s efforts to help Nigeria by getting rid of terrorists.”
“He is verbally protecting criminals who kidnap our children and kill innocent people,” he claimed.
The leader of the IYD said that the group supported the US military intervention and asked that it continue until terrorist groups were clearly weakened.
He praised the federal government for working with the United States and said that intelligence sharing needs to be improved to make sure that strikes are accurate and civilians are safe.
Ekete ended by telling the government to take advantage of the situation to reinforce Nigeria’s partnerships against terrorism and to show that they will not tolerate anyone, no matter who they are, who supports terrorism in word or deed.
About the Author
