Gumi Offers Support for Nnamdi Kanu’s Pardon — On One Condition
*Actress Dokubo reacts

By Charity Uwakwe

“Sheikh Ahmad Gumi says he will support a presidential pardon for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu if he shows remorse and publicly calls for peace. Gumi urges Nigeria to prioritise dialogue over military force in addressing insecurity.”

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, says he would support a presidential pardon for the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, if Kanu shows remorse and publicly calls for peace.

Gumi made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’, where he discussed Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Recall that Vanguard reported that Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven counts of terrorism, including inciting attacks on security operatives.

According to Gumi, “This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed — 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.”

He referenced historical precedents where past Nigerian leaders granted amnesty to separatist and militant groups.

“Look, Shagari, our president — we are from the same town — Shagari gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Look at Umaru Yar’Adua; he gave amnesty to the Niger Delta militants, who also committed acts of terrorism. So this is how we are,” he said.

Gumi reiterated his long-held position that Nigeria must prioritise non-kinetic approaches in tackling insecurity, especially in the northern region.

He argued that meaningful progress would only be achieved through dialogue, noting:
“We have people who are ready to put down their arms, so why must it always be kinetic?”

The cleric added that global military powers have struggled in modern asymmetric warfare.
“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan; even Israel could not succeed in a small strip of land. Our army is not designed for guerrilla warfare. No army is designed for the kind of people we are seeing now.”

Gumi further stated that while groups such as Fulani herders are now expressing willingness for peace, other groups remain challenging to approach.
“Can you call IPOB for peace? Can you call Boko Haram? Former presidents called for peace and they came. But now it’s difficult. So anybody who inclines to peace — I’m with him.”

Reacting to Gumi’s statement in a post shared on her official X handle, Nollywood actress and Rivers State politician Hilda Dokubo questioned the cleric’s influence and moral authority. “Who exactly is this Gumi man? Why is he so distractive, what is he about? How is he so powerful? Why is he sounding like Lord of Nigeria?” she asked, prompting widespread discussion online.

Sheikh Gumi’s comments, which quickly gained traction across social media, have been seen by some as politically charged. While he continues to advocate for Kanu’s release, many Nigerians have debated the appropriateness and implications of his stance.

Meanwhile, Dokubo’s reaction highlights the growing scrutiny of public figures who intervene in politically sensitive matters. Her remarks resonated with many citizens who feel that questions about authority and accountability remain unanswered.

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