Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation has strongly condemned attack by an Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi against the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the Christian community following his use of inflammatory language and threats.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the statement by the Islamic Cleric against the Christian community and Wike is not only discriminatory but also tantamount to a declaration of religious war against Christians.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo made their stance known in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro at the weekend after Sheikh Gumi’s declaration that Christians should not be trusted with security issues.
He then calls for the immediate arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for his treasonous offense against the state even as he urges the relevant authorities to take swift action to ensure that individuals who promote violence and sow seeds of discord are held accountable for their actions.
Isiguzoro said; “Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a well-known associate of bandits, has resorted to using inflammatory language and threats to undermine the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his efforts to invite Israel to handle the security challenges in Abuja. This desperate attempt by Sheikh Gumi to deter the Federal Government from unveiling the true perpetrators of violence and terrorism in Abuja and the North is both laughable and indicative of his own trepidation.
“Furthermore, Sheikh Gumi’s audacious threat to President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Minister Wike is a clear display of his ignorance and naivety. Such a statement only serves to highlight Sheikh Gumi’s desperation to prevent the exposure of those who are clandestinely promoting violence and terrorism in Abuja and the North. Labeling Minister Wike as “satanic and devilish” for his efforts to combat insecurity further demonstrates that Sheikh Gumi should be regarded as an enemy of the State.
“Sheikh Gumi’s callous declaration that Christians should not be trusted with security issues is not only discriminatory but also tantamount to a declaration of religious war against Christians. Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently opposes such divisive rhetoric and calls upon all well-meaning Nigerians to discourage and condemn such dangerous statements that threaten the unity and harmony of our great nation.
“Nigerians across the country have applauded President Bola Tinubu for his courageous decision to appoint a Southerner and Christian, Nyesom Wike, as the FCT Minister. Minister Wike is a national asset and a strong pillar of this administration, whose commitment to addressing insecurity challenges is unwavering. Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, combined with Minister Wike’s competence and dedication, will lead our nation to greater heights.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for the immediate arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for his treasonous offense against the state. We urge the relevant authorities to take swift action to ensure that individuals who promote violence and sow seeds of discord are held accountable for their actions. Together, let us stand united in the pursuit of peace, security, and progress for all Nigerians,” the statement read.
