Gumi Blames Worsening Insecurity On Socioeconomic Problems

... gives condition before supporting Boko Haram Terrorists, Bandits, Others

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheik Ahmad Gumi says that poor infrastructure including lack of good roads, poor healthcare and lack of educational facilities had worsened insecurity in the country.

He, however, said that dialogue could bring peace which in turn would engender progress in the the society, noting that he was ready to support armed groups, including Boko Haram, and bandits, if they agreed to lay down their weapons and engage in dialogue with the government.

Gumi spoke in an interview with DRTV, stressing that peaceful negotiations could help end Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity.

“Look at the road network, it is terribly bad. Electricity is erratic and very expensive. Don’t talk about healthcare. Anybody who has anything, even our rich men when sick with headache fly abroad. Don’t talk about education, so what is working here?” he said.

On insecurity across of the country, he said, “Dialogue can bring peace and we are men of peace. Even IPOB, which was once into secession, if they are ready to put down their arms and come to a roundtable to discuss, I’m ready and would support them. All we don’t want is violence,” he said.

The cleric emphasised that negotiation remains one of the most effective ways to resolve conflicts and restore stability in the country.

Gumi also called for what he described as "a balanced approach to tackling insecurity, combining military operations with non-kinetic strategies." He said engaging intellectuals and experts in discussions could help address the root causes of violence.

“What we are saying is what is the way out of insecurity? Let’s bring intellectuals to speak. What are the experts saying now in dealing with the situation in Nigeria?” he added. 

He also blamed the country’s socio-economic problems for worsening insecurity. Gumi pointed to poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity, weak healthcare, and inadequate education as factors that must be addressed for lasting peace.