Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Says He Will Push For Nnamdi Kanu’s Pardon If He Shows Remorse
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his stance on using non-kinetic methods to address Nigeria’s security challenges, saying he would support calls for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu if the activist shows genuine remorse.
Kanu was convicted on seven counts of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Gumi said that if Kanu expresses regret for his past actions and advocates for peace, he would be among those pushing for his pardon and amnesty.
“This Kanu, imprisoned for terrorism for urging attacks on our soldiers, if he now shows remorse and calls for peace, I will be at the forefront demanding his pardon and amnesty,” Gumi stated.
He referenced past instances where amnesty was granted in Nigeria, including former President Shehu Shagari pardoning Odumegwu Ojukwu and Umaru Yar’Adua offering amnesty to Niger Delta militants. “This is how things have always been handled in our country,” he added.
Gumi, who has consistently advocated for non-violent solutions to insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, argued that military action alone cannot resolve the nation’s challenges.
“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan, and Israel struggled in a small strip of land. Our army is not equipped for guerrilla warfare; no army is,” he said.
He further highlighted that some groups, like Fulani herdsmen, have shown willingness to engage in peace talks. “When called for peace, they respond, sometimes armed for various reasons,” he said. “Can you call IPOB for peace? Can you call Boko Haram? Some leaders have tried, but it gets harder over time. Anyone inclined toward peace, I support them.”
Gumi’s comments come amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria, with mass abductions of schoolchildren and worshippers reported in several states. While President Bola Tinubu has directed security forces to pursue the perpetrators, opposition figures have criticized the government’s handling of the situation as insufficient.
