-
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi says he will lead calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release if the IPOB leader publicly shows remorse.
-
Gumi argues that Nigeria should prioritise non-kinetic approaches to insecurity, citing past presidential amnesties granted to Ojukwu and Niger Delta militants.
-
His comments come amid rising nationwide insecurity and criticism of the Federal Government’s response to mass abductions.
Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, says he is willing to champion the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu — but only if the convict expresses remorse for his actions.
Gumi made the statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he defended his long-standing advocacy for non-kinetic strategies in resolving Nigeria’s security crises.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Kanu is currently serving a sentence after being convicted on seven counts of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
READ ALSO: No Government Can Completely End Terrorism – Sheikh Gumi Tells Nigerians
According to Gumi, remorse and a commitment to peace would justify a push for amnesty.
“If this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him,” he said.
He referenced historical precedents, noting that former Presidents Shehu Shagari and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua granted amnesty to secessionist leader Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Niger Delta militants respectively — both groups he said had engaged in violent actions.
Gumi argued that Nigeria’s current security challenges require political negotiation and dialogue.
He said no army, including Nigeria’s, is structurally equipped for prolonged guerrilla warfare.
“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan; even Israel could not succeed in a small strip of land. No army is designed for the kind of people we are seeing now,” he said.
The cleric maintained that several armed groups — including Fulani herders — have shown willingness to embrace peace when engaged constructively, contrasting this with more radical groups like Boko Haram, whom he said are now harder to reach.
His remarks come amid rising insecurity nationwide, including mass abductions of students and worshippers in recent weeks.
Opposition figures have accused the Tinubu administration of failing to adequately protect citizens despite presidential directives to security agencies.
