Wike: ‘Your Recent Comments Are Baseless, Divisive’ – Middle Belt Group Slams Gumi

A group under the aegis of Middle Belt Patriots has cautioned controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi against making divisive comments that can cause chaos in the country.

Naija News recalls that Gumi had earlier this week said it was dangerous to entrust Nigeria’s national security to Christians and Southerners.

The cleric stated this while condemning the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for receiving the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria in his office and planning to collaborate with Israel over security issues in Abuja.

Gumi also accused the minister of planning to make Abuja an extension of Tel Aviv, stressing that bearded Muslims in the city would be tagged Osama Bin Ladin and killed.

But in a statement on Friday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the National Secretary of the group, Patrick Anum, said Gumi should not set the country on fire with his insensitive and provocative statements.

Anum also slammed Gumi for calling Wike a demon and satanic person, stressing that the name-calling was uncalled for and unwarranted.

He further went on to berate the controversial cleric for saying that it was dangerous to entrust Nigeria’s national security to Christians and Southerners.

The statement read, “It is our firm conviction that the recent allegations and machinations orchestrated by certain members of the Arewa clergy are not only baseless but also divisive, with the potential to sow discord and disharmony among the diverse people of Nigeria.

“We must remember that this was the same tactic used against the Chief of Defense staff, Major General CG Musa, earlier in the year by some Arewa clerics to incite violence after his appointment and the same divisive tactics were also deployed against the late Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State.

“We wish to remind Nigerians of how similar animosity preceded the killing of Patrick Yakowa when he assumed office as Kaduna State governor. We have cause to fear for the safety of the FCT Minister, as we call on the relevant authorities to arrest the peddlers of these hate and divisive sermons.”

Furthermore, Anum stated that with regard to the position of the FCT Minister, it is its firm belief that any qualified and well-meaning Nigerian should have the opportunity to serve in the position.

He also reminded Gumi and his cohorts that it is important to note that the FCT, geographically situated in the Middle Belt, is distinct from the northern region, and its natives have a unique cultural and historical identity peculiar to them only.

He added: “The FCT is not an exclusive property of anybody, and the position of the minister should not be restricted to individuals from any specific region or religion, saying that such assertions should be rejected.

“The FCT natives have a rich heritage that deserves recognition and respect, stating that some Arewa clerics’ claim that they possess ownership of the FCT is an attempt to erase the rich history, diverse cultures, and traditional heritage of the FCT natives.

“We urge all Nigerians to reject divisive tactics and seek the truth through credible, impartial sources. Upholding the values of truth and fairness is essential for creating an environment conducive to the flourishing of democracy and the well-being of all citizens!”

Anum said the group urged Wike to remain a committed leader, and fully dedicated to the betterment of the FCT and Nigeria at large.

He stated that Nigeria is a big country for some small elements to think they can distort the well-being of the country, including the FCT.