I’m ready to fight for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, but under one condition – Gumi

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said he is willing to personally lead a campaign for amnesty for Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but only if Kanu publicly renounces violence.

Kanu was convicted of terrorism and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Speaking on Channels Television’s morning programme on Tuesday, Gumi said his position is based on his long-standing belief that negotiation remains Nigeria’s most effective way to address insecurity.

He argued that force alone cannot solve the country’s security problems.

He added that the Nigerian military was not structured to fight guerrilla warfare, saying, “Our army is not designed for a guerrilla war; no army is designed for that. So, since we have people that are ready to put down their arms, then why do you always decide it has to be kinetic?”

The cleric continued, saying, “Let me give you an example. Now, this Kanu, who was imprisoned for terrorism, for agitating that our soldiers should be killed… if the same Kanu now shows remorse and also calls for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him.”

Gumi argued that negotiating with bandits has produced results in Kaduna state, insisting that the challenges in Zamfara stem from government’s failure to reach proper agreements with the bandits.

He said, “Look, Shehu Shagari, our former president, gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Look at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he gave amnesty to the Niger Delta militants who have also committed acts of terrorism. So this is how we are. We are also looking for a way out.”

Gumi also dismissed calls for international intervention, saying Nigeria must solve its insecurity problems internally.

“I don’t want foreign intervention. And I don’t want tribes to be fighting. Also, we don’t want the fire of religion to be ignited in Nigeria, because if it’s ignited, who can quench it?”

Speaking about security improvements, he said, “Look at the Abuja-Kaduna Road. Now everybody can ply it.”

“Things are improving. I’m not saying it’s 100%.

There are incidents where it has happened.

But it’s not the norm.

Things are improving.”

“Just give the government time and a chance. But to be pressured from outside, this is what we object to.”

“Our sovereignty is a red line. We can never accept foreigners to come into Nigeria, whatever excuse it is.”

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